![]() ![]() The shii tree has been considered a tree of God, and the locals believe that touching the tree helps you recover from disease and give you a long life. With the traditional main building, well-arranged shrine garden with 300-year-old shii tree (Japanese chinquapin), old stone stairway approach and grey large torii gates, the shrine is filled with power and spirit. Located behind the Camp Zama, Zama Shrine is a majestic Shinto Shrine. Location: 1-407 Takahanacho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture Omiya Park, the first modern park of Saitama Prefecture, is located behind the shrine and features a pond, zoo and traditional garden with various flowers. More than a mile long, the wide approach to the shrine is lined by impressively large elm trees, some that are more than 2,400 years old. Beautiful architecture, torii gates and gardens give this shrine a kind of majestic, yet mysterious atmosphere. Hikawa Shrine in Omiya Town is known as one of the most prestigious Shinto shrines in the Kanto Plain and as such, the town is fittingly and literally named “large shrine.”Īccording to legend, it was founded more than 2,000 years ago, and has been respected by shoguns and lords throughout its history. Location: 3-7-15 Kita Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo If you climb the mini-Fuji, be sure to make your wish at the top. This miniature Mount Fuji, called “Shinagawa Fuji” or “Fujizuka,” is for those unable to climb Mount Fuji to have their wish granted. Near the stone stairway, you will find a small mountain in the shrine garden. Go through the torii gates and make a wish in front of the shrine hall by casting a coin, making two bows, two hand-claps and again, one deep bow. High above on long gray stone stairs, you will find a traditional black shrine hall with two torii gates. Since Shogun Minamoto Yoritomo founded it in the 12th century, numerous feudal lords visited and worshipped here as they sought safety of sea travel and victory in battle. The shrine is known as a strong “power spot” – a location that many believe gives you power and luck. Shinagawa Shrine is a majestic Shinto shrine located in this old town. The New Year is a great time to visit these locations as it is tradition in Japan to wish for luck for the coming year. Visit one or more, I’m sure you will feel purified in the calm and solemn atmosphere of these temples and shrines. So, considering the other thousands of shrines and temples not mentioned above, below are a few of my favorite spots where you can feel the zen and beat the crowds. Since these are definitely must-see for tourists, the crowds can get a little overwhelming for locations meant to bring a sense of calm. You may have already visited the famous Kiyomizudera Temple and the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and Daibutsu in Kamakura and Sensoji Temple and Meijijingu Shrine in Tokyo on sightseeing trips. Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura and Tokyo are host to thousands of shrines and temples. In total, Japan boasts a whopping 81,000 shrines and 77,000 temples, according to the National Agency for Cultural Affairs.Īside from the religious function of many of these unique locations, tourists flock to them for the colorful facades, towers and gates fit for great photo ops and history. It may be surprising to know these outnumber the 56,884 convenience stores, which seem to be everywhere you turn. ![]() The Land of the Rising Sun is home to numerous Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. ![]()
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