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There is something special about this place
I've visited a lot of shrines across a lot of prefectures now, and Okuni Shrine in Mori, Shizuoka, still stands out to me as a special place. I visited here on a blogging trip with CityCost, and I still remember the group of other bloggers and I all remarking how we distinctly felt a different air about the place as we crossed under the torii arch. We visited in November as the leaves were beginning to change, and it added to the magic of our visit. There is a long and interesting history behind the shrine, but even if you're not a history buff there's still plenty of natural beauty to appreciate here.
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on Nov 18
Walk in the footsteps of legends at this high ranking, aesthetic, welcoming shrine
Okuni Shrine is well known among shrine experts the nation over. One reason is because it has been granted the high shrine status known as "Shou-Ichii" in Japanese. Another reason is because it is one of few shrines that is believed to be in existence since mythical times. It may not be as well known, but I found it quite fascinating that Okuni Shrine has for hundreds of years drawn worshippers from the Imperial family and court as well as courtiers, warlords and even the Tokugawa Shogun family. A lesser known fact, but very interesting one is that it is the only shrine (of over 80,000) in Japan that has a ceramic workshop on the land. The workshop uses only components from the shrine and the land in its ceramics. For others this shrine it is acclaimed because of its stunning autumn foliage. Whatever draws you to Okuni Shrine, it is well worth the visit. As you cross the Torii into the shrine's land you can sense a change in the atmosphere. The priests and staff of this historical shrine are friendly and welcoming. There are lots of photo spots including some red moon bridges: the one over the pond is particularly stunning. And it is said if you make a wish by this pond your wish will come true. The shrine is open seven days a week. There is a car park. Enden station Morimachi Byoin Mae and Totomi-Ichinomiya Stations are all about 8 minutes away by car. Each of them are on the Tenryu Hamanako Tetsudo Line.
genkidesu
on Apr 2