Atago-jinja, shrine in Iruma, Saitama
Atago-jinja is a small Shinto shrine located in the city of Iruma, situated on a gentle hill. Simple wooden buildings with curved roofs are surrounded by ancient trees, and a stone pathway leads up to the main hall.
The shrine's connection to a warrior named Nitta Yoshihara dates to a battle around 1358. In 1649, the Edo Shogunate recognized the site's importance and granted land to the shrine.
The shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and serves the local community as a place for prayers and blessings. The annual April festival brings residents together to share and honor traditions with decorated floats, flowers, and food.
The shrine is reachable on foot from Iruma Station, offering a quiet walk through the city. A simple water basin at the entrance allows visitors to rinse their hands and mouth before praying.
A tree nearby is revered as a protective guardian that was said to withstand storms and protect the grounds. A stone marks where the warrior's head is believed to rest, which visitors continue to tend with flowers and small trees.
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