Uneotsutamoto-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Uneotsutamoto-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Kashihara located at the foot of Mt. Unebi. The site covers about 50 hectares with traditional wooden buildings, ponds with waterfowl, trees, and pathways where visitors walk and enjoy the quiet surroundings.
The shrine was built in 1890 during the Meiji era to honor Emperor Jimmu, Japan's legendary first emperor. The site was chosen because it was believed to be the place where this emperor took his throne, making it symbolically important to Japan's history.
The shrine is a place where worship of Emperor Jimmu as Japan's origin comes to life through daily practice. Visitors observe ordinary acts like coin offerings, bell ringing, and bows that reflect the community's deep connection to this historical figure and their spiritual traditions.
The shrine is easy to reach by train and is only about 10 minutes on foot from Kashiharajingu-mae Station. Entry to the grounds is free, and visiting takes about half an hour to an hour, with wheelchair-accessible paths available for visitors with mobility needs.
The main shrine building was constructed using an altar from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, giving the place a rare connection to Japan's royal history. This unusual use of an imperial object shows the importance placed on the site when it was established in the 19th century.
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