Ogura-jinja, Shrine in Ōyamazaki, Kyōto
Ogura-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Ōyamazaki, Japan, set at the foot of Mount Ogura in the northern part of Arashiyama. The grounds hold several smaller structures and a pond where lotus flowers bloom across the warmer months.
The shrine was founded in the 9th century and was connected to Imperial Prince Koretaka, who lived in the area. Over the following centuries, more shrines were added to the grounds until a cluster of five separate sites took shape.
Ogura-jinja is one of five shrines gathered on the same grounds, each dedicated to a different deity. Visitors can notice fresh flowers and small offerings placed in front of each shrine, showing how active daily devotion still is here.
The grounds are close to Torokko Arashiyama Station and can be reached on foot from there. Visiting in spring or autumn gives you a chance to see the lotus pond in bloom or the trees on the grounds change color.
Ogura-jinja is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to the hair and barbering trade, drawing practitioners from across the country. A tradition here involves offering locks of hair to the enshrined deity, and visitors can often spot these displayed on the grounds.
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