Araho-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Araho-jinja is a small Shinto shrine in Kiyama featuring the traditional nagare-zukuri style, with a gently curved roof that extends far beyond the building's front. The wooden structure rests on raised pillars and is surrounded by tall trees, with a simple gate marking the entrance and worn stone paths leading to the main hall.
The shrine was built in the 7th century during Emperor Kōtoku's reign and received official recognition in 860 as a national shrine. By the Heian period, it held an official rank among shrines of the region and has remained significant to the local community through the centuries.
The shrine takes its name from the local area and is dedicated to Ninigi from Japanese mythology. Visitors notice how people follow simple rituals like ringing a bell, bowing, and clapping hands twice before making quiet wishes, keeping these customs alive through their visits.
The best time to visit is during festivals or early in the morning when the air is fresh and the grounds are less crowded. The access road is easy to walk and winds through green fields and small villages, making the journey there part of the overall experience.
A large old camphor tree stands on the grounds and is seen as a symbol of the shrine's enduring presence through the ages. Visitors often pause under its shade to rest and feel a connection to generations past who have visited this same spot.
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