2025.04.11

Gods of Shimoso Province (2) Visit to the Three Shrines of the East Province / Katori Walk / Sidetaka Shrine

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After visiting Katori Jingu Shrine in the solemn atmosphere, I went to my next destination, the Ataka Shrine. Tucked away not far from Katori Jingu Shrine, this shrine is the first shrine of Katori Jingu and is a venerable shrine that was founded in the 18th year of Emperor Jimmu, the same year as Katori Jingu. However, its existence tends to be hidden in the shadow of Katori Jingu, and not many people may know its name.

Article Contents

The key to knowing the depth of Katori Jingu Shrine, the Daiichi Setsha Shrine, and the visit to the Ataka Shrine ・ Spiritual power experience beyond words
- A space enveloped in silence, the road to the Ataka Shrine

The key to knowing the depth of Katori Jingu Shrine, the Daiichi Setsha Shrine, and the visit to the Ataka Shrine ・ Spiritual power experience beyond words

However, the Asaka Shrine is a special place that is full of intense spiritual power that only those in the know know. It is a shrine dedicated to the ancestor god of land purification, and the deity has been shrouded in mystery since ancient times, and it is not even allowed to be mentioned. It is said that it is only said that he is a "god who does not speak without saying." Fascinated by its mystique, I passed through the gate of the Sideaka Shrine.

A space enveloped in silence, the road to the Ataka Shrine

When I stepped away from the bustle of Katori Jingu Shrine, I was enveloped in a tranquility that seemed to be in another world. The trees are dark green, and the chirping of birds echoes pleasantly. The approach to the shrine is paved with mossy cobblestones, giving the impression of a long time. Every time I stepped in, I felt the air become clearer.

On the side of the approach, dense trees grow thickly, blocking the sun's rays. Thanks to this, the precincts are enveloped in a cool air, which further accentuates the sacred atmosphere. The light that occasionally shone through the deep green felt like a blessing from God.

Along the way, a small river flows, and its murmur creates a pleasant rhythm in the silence. The water in the river is surprisingly clear, and you can see clearly to the bottom. Its transparency seems to indicate that this place is a sanctuary free from pollution.

As we approached the end of the approach, we could see the torii gate. The stone torii gate is covered with moss and looks old-fashioned. Its presence is like that of a guardian god who has been protecting this land for many years. After passing through the torii gate, you will finally step into the precincts of the Sideaka Shrine.

Precincts full of intense spirit, sacredness felt with the five senses

The moment I passed through the torii gate, I was shocked beyond words. The air around him changed completely, and I felt my whole body tremble. It was an overwhelming spiritual power that I had never experienced before.

The precincts are much smaller than Katori Jingu. However, the energy that filled the space was far beyond imagination. I felt such a sense of awe, as if God was right there.

The first thing that caught my eye was a pair of komaninu. After many years, the stone dog has been exposed to the elements and has a somewhat stern expression. However, it seems as if his eyes are firmly looking forward and continuing to protect the precincts. Moss grows at the feet of the komaninu, giving a sense of its history.

At the back of the komainu, a worship hall stands quietly. The wooden worship hall is a simple structure, but its appearance is full of dignity. The roof of the worship hall is covered with moss, giving a sense of age. However, its presence has not faded and it still welcomes many worshippers.

In front of the worship hall, there is a donation box. The donation box must contain the wishes of many worshippers. I also put the money in the gift box and quietly put my hands together. In my heart, I expressed my gratitude and prayed for peace in the future.

Mystical Beings, Unspoken Guardians (God) ）

The deity of the shrine has been considered a mystery since ancient times, and it is not allowed to be spoken, and it is only said that it is a "guardian (god) who does not speak without speaking". Why is the name of the deity kept secret? The reason for this is probably the tremendous spiritual power of this shrine.

I felt that by being in the precincts, I understood the reason a little. It is difficult to explain in words, but there is something special in this place that transcends words. It is a divine energy that is beyond human comprehension.

"The Silent Guardian (God)" has a deep mystique that cannot be expressed in words. Its existence is something that can be felt with the five senses rather than spoken about. By placing myself in the temple grounds, I felt that I had been touched by its mysterious power and that my heart was cleansed.

I'm sure the people who visit this shrine are looking for something special that can't be expressed in words. It may be peace of mind or the strength to overcome difficulties. Or maybe you simply want to be in a sacred space and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Harmony between the pots of the four seasons, millennial cedar, and nature

In one corner of the temple grounds, there are four jars called "pots of the four seasons." Each jar is planted with plants that symbolize each season, spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The jars of the four seasons are like works of art, condensing the beauty of nature.

Cherry blossoms are planted in the spring jars, and they are blooming with pretty flowers. In summer, maples with lush foliage are planted in the pots, creating a cool shade. In autumn, maples with autumn leaves are planted, and the precincts are colored with bright red. In winter, snow-capped pines are planted in the pots, creating a solemn atmosphere.

The jars of the four seasons express the cycle of nature. Each season has its own beauty, and that beauty complements each other. When I look at the jars of the four seasons, I feel the greatness of nature and my heart is at ease.

At the back of the temple grounds, the sacred tree "Millennium Cedar", which is said to be over 1,000 years old, towers. As the name suggests, the Millennium Cedar is a giant tree that has survived for a long time. The appearance is truly a masterpiece. Looking up at the Millennium Cedar, I am keenly aware of how small human existence is.

Millennium cedar gives a sense of powerful vitality. Its trunk is thick, powerful, stretching straight to the sky. There is a special air flowing around the millennium cedar, and just being there soothes the soul.

Precincts and spiritual purifications and sources of new energy

In one corner of the temple grounds, several shrine shrines are enshrined. Various deities are enshrined in each shrine precinct, and each god plays his or her own role. It is said that by visiting the precincts of the shrine, you can receive various benefits.

I put my hands together at each shrine and expressed my gratitude and prayed for peace in the future. As I walked around the shrine grounds, I felt as if my heart was being washed. It's as if all the bad things that have accumulated in your body are being cleansed.

The Sidetaka Shrine is said to have the effect of not only spiritual purification but also physical revitalization. By placing oneself in the temple grounds, the energy that has been dormant in the body is activated and vitality wells up. After visiting the shrine, I felt such an exhilarating feeling, as if my body had become lighter.

The shrine is indeed a special place where you can be purified and revitalized both spiritually and physically. When you visit Katori Jingu Shrine, I would like you to visit this side high shrine and experience its tremendous spiritual power.

An experience that transcends words: the significance of visiting the Asaka Shrine

Visiting the Sideaka Shrine was a valuable experience that cannot be expressed in words. By visiting this shrine, I was able to learn about the depth of the shrine that I had never known before.

The shrine is more than just a tourist attraction. It's a special place filled with divine energy. By visiting this shrine, I was able to wash my mind and gain new energy.

If you are feeling tired from your daily life, please visit the Ataka Shrine. I'm sure there's something special there that you're looking for.

The Sideaka Shrine is a place full of mysterious charm that cannot be fully described in words. I want you to feel the charm with your own five senses. And I want you to use the special energy you have gained at the Adaka Shrine in your daily life.

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