Tetsudo-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Tetsudo-jinja is a small shrine located in the village of Minamimaki with a simple wooden structure surrounded by trees and fields. The grounds feature a torii gate at the entrance, an offering area, and a main hall where visitors pray or leave small wooden wish tablets.
The shrine was built in 2005 by local residents to symbolize the connection between the community and the railway system. This relatively recent founding shows how contemporary communities use traditional elements to honor their modern connections.
The name Tetsudo-jinja means 'Railway Shrine' in Japanese and honors the spirit of the railway that has connected the local community. Visitors notice small train-themed decorations throughout the grounds and observe how people pause here to pray for safe journeys.
The location is easy to find by asking locals or following signs near the railway station in the village of Minamimaki in Nagano Prefecture. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as access to the grounds is on foot and the surroundings are quiet and natural.
A wheel statue sits at the entrance and represents the importance of wheels and transportation in local life. This simple but meaningful artwork directly links the shrine's spiritual role to the railway's significance for the community.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.