Atsugi shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Atsugi Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary in the city of Atsugi with a simple structure surrounded by a few trees. The main hall features a gently curved roof, buildings have been rebuilt multiple times following earthquakes and fires, and beside the main hall stand stone lanterns with a water shrine near a flowing stream.
The sanctuary likely originated before 970 as Gozu Tennosha and protected Atsugi Village. In 1873 it merged with other shrines and received its current name, though the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 severely damaged the sanctuary, and in 2016 old structures like stone entrance pillars were restored and returned to their place.
The shrine grounds host traditional events, particularly in July when many people gather for the annual festival featuring the lion dance called Kagura. The community has passed down these traditions across generations, and during festival days market stalls and historic shops maintain the area's cultural character.
The shrine is typically peaceful with parking available on the left side of the main building for visitors, and you can easily reach it from Hon-Atsugi Station by walking through a street with many historic shops. Check for scheduled events like the lion dance festival or antique markets to gain deeper understanding of the local traditions.
During the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, the sanctuary was severely damaged, yet individual stones and structures survived the disaster as silent witnesses to the community's resilience. These ancient stone elements, including entrance monuments, were later restored and stand today at their original locations as reminders of the ordeal and recovery.
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