Mihokashima-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Mihokashima-jinja is a small Shinto shrine in Minato-ku surrounded by modern city buildings. The grounds feature traditional guardian statues called komainu at the entrance, a hand-washing well for ritual purification, and simply designed wooden structures with a curved roof, complemented by a small garden area.
The shrine was formed in 2004 when two separate locations, Kashima and Miho shrines, merged into one. Kashima Shrine itself dated back over 1000 years to the Heian period, when locals visited seeking relief from illnesses such as coughs.
The name combines two former shrines, Miho and Kashima, that merged in 2004 into this single location. Visitors can observe how locals use the space for prayer, leave small offerings, and collect red stamps called goshuin as a way to mark their visits and stay connected to spiritual traditions.
The shrine is easily reached by taking the Toei Mita Line to Mita Station and exiting at A6, which is less than a minute's walk away. The location is convenient and rarely crowded, making it a good spot to pause for a quiet moment without traveling far from central areas.
One of the guardian statues displays an unusual feature: a cub being nursed by its mother, a rare sight that represents care and protection. Another statue is distinctive in that two dogs share a single base instead of being separate guardians.
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