Nishinomiya Shrine, 長野県長野市岩石町にある神社
Nishinomiya Shrine is a small Shinto shrine in Nagano featuring traditional wooden buildings with gently curved roofs and a clean stone path leading through the grounds. The site includes small gardens, stone lanterns, and a simple offering box, with a main hall that serves as the focal point for visitors.
The shrine was officially founded in 1663 and has served as a gathering place for the local community ever since. It has endured through many changes in Japan while maintaining its original character and spiritual purpose for generations.
The shrine is dedicated to Ebisu, one of Japan's gods of fortune, especially revered for bringing success in work and business. Visitors leave small wooden plaques with written wishes and prayers, revealing how people express their hopes and connect with tradition.
The shrine is easy to reach and welcomes visitors for a brief, quiet visit at any time. The best times to visit are during local festivals and the New Year period, when more people gather, though you can find a peaceful moment anytime.
The name translates to 'harbor of two seas' in Japanese, a reference that connects to the region's deeper history despite the shrine's mountain location. Despite its small size, it holds deep meaning for locals and has drawn people seeking fortune for hundreds of years.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.