Shirahata-jinja, Shinto shrine and historic ruins in Nishi Mikado, Kamakura, Japan.
Shirahata-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Nishi Mikado in Kamakura with white building structures and traditional torii gates marking the entrance to the sacred site. The grounds contain archaeological remains from the Kamakura period, which together with the active shrine buildings create a place of both religious and historical importance.
The site dates back to the Kamakura period and is closely linked to shoguns Minamoto Yoritomo and Minamoto Sanetomo, who shaped the region from 1185. The archaeological remains reveal the long occupation and religious importance of this place across several centuries.
The shrine's name refers to its white buildings, which symbolize purity in Shinto tradition. Visitors can observe how this spiritual place remains active in daily community life, with local people maintaining their connection to traditional practices here.
Entry to the site is free and visitors can walk freely to explore both the shrine buildings and ancient remains. It is helpful to wear sturdy shoes since the grounds can be uneven, and some areas are shaded by trees.
The shrine preserves remains of a Hokkedo structure from the Kamakura period, a feature many visitors overlook since it is integrated within the modern shrine buildings. This blending of religious and archaeological layers makes it a rare example of layered Japanese history in a single place.
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