Tsunaga Shrine, Setsumatsusha shrine in Ise, Japan
Tsunaga Shrine is a traditional shrine in Ise with wooden structures built in Shinmei-zukuri style, positioned directly in front of Kotai Jingu. The grounds feature a sacred well called Tatsunoi where visitors can collect water, along with walking paths that wind through natural gardens and wooded areas.
The shrine was founded centuries ago and is dedicated to water protection through veneration of Mito Gotojin, a deity central to local traditions. This connection to water safety and protection has made it an important site for the surrounding community.
The shrine draws visitors who wish to participate in water blessings and local rituals tied to the community. The grounds show deep connections to residents who gather around water sources for protection and spiritual purposes.
The shrine is reachable by bus from Iseshi Station, with the Kamiyashiroko bus stop about a ten-minute walk away. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable since the paths through the grounds follow natural trails.
Visitors can take water from the Tatsunoi well, which residents use around their homes for fire protection. This practice shows how the belief in the protective power of sacred water remains rooted in the daily life of the neighborhood.
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