Hirose-taisha is a Shinto shrine that worships the God Inari, one of some 32,000 spread throughout Japan. The most famous being the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto.
| I discovered this complex by pure chance as I was cycling to Asuka, the Ancient Capitol of Japan. It is well camouflaged by trees, just off the river path I was on. |
Crossing this bridge will cleanse away all sins and filth of the devotee, before approaching the gods. The bridge is shaped to resemble a rainbow, since it is connected to the terrestrial world of humans and the celestial world of gods.
After descending from the bridge, you enter a grove of trees and are greeted by this Sessha, or auxiliary shrine. Looking to your left at this junction, you will see . . . .
. . . . the distinct vermilion-colored Torii, heralding the entrance to the main complex. This is a Ryobu style torii, with it's four supporting legs.
Before passing through the torii, you will need to perform your ceremonial purification rite at the Chozuya before proceeding.
As you enter the inner complex you will see all the familiar structures associated with a shinto shrine. To the left, in the above image, engulfed by the sakura trees, is the Haiden, or hall of worship.
In the center of the courtyard is this tree surrounded by O-mikuji. After making a small offering, the devotee will be presented with one of these slips of paper where, after reading their fortune (hopefully good), is then tied to a piece-of-string.
To the left of the torii, as you enter the complex, is the Shamusho, or the shrine's administration office. Here one can purchase a range of shinto charms and texts.
In another corner is this impressive structure used for hanging your Ema, or small wooden plaques. On these, worshippers write their prayers or wishes.
Before signing-off, let me not forget to invite you to view the video of Hirosa-taisha. Enjoy.