Utsuno-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Utsuno-jinja is a small Shinto shrine in the town of Shin'onsen, surrounded by tall trees with a wooden main building of simple yet refined design. Stone steps lead up to the structure, and hanging lanterns adorn the building, while the site has served as a place of worship for many years and remains active during local festivals.
The shrine was founded many years ago and has continuously served as a place of worship for the Shin'onsen community ever since. Throughout its long history, it has remained an important part of the region's religious and cultural life.
The shrine is dedicated to Susanoo no Mikoto, an important figure in Japanese tradition. Visitors can experience the traditional Kirinjishi-Mai dance during spring and autumn festivals, where performers wear special costumes and masks while moving to drums and flutes.
The shrine sits nestled in a forest of tall trees and provides a quiet setting for exploration. Access is via stone paths that lead to the main building and are passable in most weather conditions.
Near the main shrine stands a tiny shrine with a triangular roof and a waterfall cascading over rocks, which locals believe is home to a protective spirit. This hidden combination of architectural and natural elements creates a mysterious quality that many visitors overlook.
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