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Matchmaking and weaving shrine
The shrine, dedicated to two weaving deities, has become a place to pray for love as the two kami weave their threads together. And you have to climb some steep stairs to get to it. At the foot of the slope, there are two paths. Skip the stone steps and veer left for the seven colored torii gates. Each color represents a virtue for living a happy, healthy, productive life. The colors resemble the hues in meisen kimono fabric that is produced in Ashikaga City. The shrine building isn't old. It's a rebuild dating from the 1930s (the shrine burned down in the 1880s) but it's worth a visit for the unique gates, love connections, and the view from the mountain.
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on Aug 4
A Good Hike for Exercise
Visiting shrines is a good hobby to also get some exercise done, given that many shrines are built on a hill or a mountain, and the Orihime Shrine is one of them. I parked my bicycle at the bottom of the hill and made my way up the stairs. I was sweating by the time I reached the top and was rewarded with a nice view overlooking Ashikaga City. The walk is not easy, so it is hard to call it family-friendly. Of course, there is the shrine aspect too, but I enjoyed it as one of the rare free locations in Ashikaga that gives you a pretty view.
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on Sep 13
Orihime Shrine
You can see the shrine from most places in downtown Ashikaga. It is the bright red building tucked up on the side of a mountain. In order to reach the shrine though, you've got to climb some pretty steep stairs. From either train station , Ashikaga (JR) or Ashikagashi, it doesn't take more than about 20 mins to walk. It is like more other major shrines, selling fortunes and charms. Lowest price charm is about 500 en. There are also the stamp signing books. The books themselves are 1000en I believe. And the signature is 300. There are tables and benches to rest in the shade and vending machines. Just behind the shrine is the entrance into a hiking trail. There are events year round for different holidays, but the biggest is always new years. This is when it is most crowded and you will be lined on the stairs for hours. Spring is also popular for the cherry trees. they light them up at night.
TonetoEdo
on Jul 28