Washinomiya Shrine, Ancient Shinto shrine in Kuki, Japan
Washinomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine in the city of Kuki, in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The compound spreads inland from the riverbank, with wooden buildings featuring curved roofs, stone lanterns, and wide gravel paths running between the structures.
This shrine first appeared in written records from the Kamakura period and received recognition from noble families. Later, leading figures of the Tokugawa shogunate granted support to the site, reinforcing its standing in the region.
Ritual dances performed here follow traditions handed down over centuries, visible during specific calendar dates when the community gathers. Visitors may watch these ceremonies and notice how participants move through rehearsed sequences in traditional dress.
The shrine sits near the river and is easy to reach via main roads. Visitors will find signage and information boards at the main entrance that provide orientation across the grounds.
In the early 2000s, this site appeared in an anime, which led to new celebrations and special portable shrines designed by fans. Today, visitors arrive from many countries to experience the connection between old rites and modern media.
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