足神神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Ashigami Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to a leg deity located in the Mizusawa area of Tenryu Ward. The grounds are modest in size with simple structures surrounded by trees and mountain scenery.
The shrine was established in 1084 when a local priest settled the area and built the first structure. During the Kamakura period, a traveling monk visited and was cared for by residents, an event that strengthened the worship of this deity.
The shrine honors a leg deity whose name reflects the purpose of worship here. Visitors leave stone carvings and foot-shaped offerings as acts of prayer for leg health and strength.
The shrine sits deep in the mountains and is best reached by car, roughly 20 minutes from Mizusawa Station. A small parking area exists on site though space is limited and visitors may need to walk to the entrance.
A natural spring near the shrine produces water believed to help with leg ailments. The stones surrounding the spring contain oyster fossils from when this area was once underwater.
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