森戸大明神, Shinto shrine in Japan
Morito Daijingu is a small Shinto shrine with simple wooden structures located in Hayama, a coastal town in Japan. The sanctuary includes traditional buildings, a red torii gate on a nearby island called Neshima, and views of the bay with Mount Fuji on the horizon on clear days.
The shrine was built in the 12th century by Minamoto no Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura shogunate, after he experienced a turn of fortune during his time in Izu. During the Kamakura period, it became an important site for ceremonies to ward off misfortune and for travelers praying for safe journeys.
The shrine's name Morito comes from ancient cleansing rituals performed at the coast. Visitors today can observe people ringing a bell and making offerings as part of traditional practices that connect them to generations of local customs.
The shrine is easily reached by train to Zushi Station and then by bus that stops directly in front of the entrance. Visitors can also drive and park in a nearby lot, where limited free parking is available for special occasions like weddings or prayer ceremonies.
The shrine is connected to Yoritomo, who prayed at Mishima Taisha shrine in Izu after a military defeat and later rose to become a powerful leader. This story makes the place special for visitors interested in the link between local shrine and national history.
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