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Mossy Torii and Stone Guardians on Tranquil Cape Ose
松風が吹き抜ける中、佇む大瀬神社の鳥居と苔むす狛犬
A serene view of a traditional Shinto shrine entrance in Japan, framed by a weathered stone gate (鳥居・torii) and flanked by moss-covered lion-dog statues (狛犬・komainu). Stone lanterns (石灯籠・ishi-doro), a sacred straw rope (注連縄・shimenawa), and engraved kanji stone tablets emphasize the cultural and spiritual significance of this sacred site. Nestled among dense Japanese pine trees (松・matsu) and rugged stone pathways, the setting captures the peaceful atmosphere and enduring traditions of Japanese spirituality and architecture.
On the evergreen bush to the left, you can see paper fortunes (御神籤・omikuji) tied to its branches. These fortunes reveal one’s luck for the near future. If you draw a good fortune, it's customary to keep it and take it home. However, if the fortune is bad, you can leave it at the shrine by tying it to a designated rack or a sacred tree or bush (as seen in this photo). The belief is that shrine staff will later burn the bad fortunes, and the shrine’s deity will purify or exorcise the misfortune on your behalf.
Ose Shrine may not be well known outside the bounds of the local fishing village, but that is precisely what draws me to it. It embodies the essence of a truly local shrine—quietly cherished by generations of villagers. While I still appreciate the grandeur and historical significance of major shrines, there's something uniquely heartfelt and grounded in visiting a place created for and by the local community. The experience feels more intimate, and the connection to the spiritual presence more immediate.
- Location: Numazu, Shizuoka, Japan
- Timestamp: 2025/03/19・10:40
- Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
- 28 mm ISO 100 for 1/160 sec. at ƒ/3.5
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