Sugō-jinja, Shinto shrine in Okazaki, Aichi
Sugō-jinja is a small Shinto shrine in Kōsei-chō with a simple wooden structure and traditional tile roof architecture. The grounds are surrounded by trees offering shade, while a maintained altar and pathways are tended to by visitors who leave offerings and make their prayers.
The shrine was founded in 1529 when a statue of a god floated down the nearby river and was placed there for worship. The Gion Festival, held for about 500 years, was initiated by the lord of Ogawa Castle around 1530 and continues to preserve local traditions.
The shrine grounds function as a gathering place for the community, especially during the summer Gion Festival with processions and traditional music performances. The simple design of the shrine reflects the respect that local people have for this space as a place of tradition and shared customs.
The shrine is free to visit and can be explored year-round, with access about 10 minutes walking from the Ogawa Chuo bus stop. Visitors can pray, leave offerings, or simply enjoy the quiet surroundings at any time, though early morning or evening hours tend to be the most peaceful.
The shrine participates in the growing Goshuin stamp-collecting trend, where visitors can obtain special monthly stamps featuring different depictions of the main gods. These changing stamps make Sugō-jinja an appealing destination for collectors who visit multiple times throughout the year.
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