Small Countryside Temples and Shrines in Aridagawa 地域社会における神社・仏寺

Official explanation

Visitors to Japan are likely to be familiar with large urban temples and shrines. The lavish golden pagoda of Kinkakuji in Kyoto or the bustling approach to Sensōji in Tokyo may come to mind. Although religious sites in remote mountain communities like Aridagawa are not nearly so sprawling or grand, they still play a role in everyday life and customs.

Aridagawa’s temples and shrines usually consist of one small structure that enshrines a deity. The doors are typically closed out of respect for the deity but may be opened during festivals. The sites are usually unstaffed. Instead, local residents manage and maintain the sacred grounds and buildings, some of which have been in use for more than 500 years.

Read the full explanation

Many religious sites in Japan are also noteworthy for their natural beauty. This is true of Aridagawa’s temples and shrines, many of which are tucked into shady groves or perched high on mountaintops. The approaches tend to be unmarked and inconspicuous, but visitors who seek them out will be rewarded with a unique blend of cultural and natural scenery.

These solitary sites are liveliest during their annual festivals. In Aridagawa, many temples and shrines host mochi-throwing events for good luck. Small rice cakes are tossed from a platform to a crowd of people below, who compete to catch the auspicious treats.

出典: 地域観光資源の多言語解説文データベース（観光庁） — www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db. この英語解説文は観光庁の地域観光資源の多言語解説整備支援事業で作成しました。
Source: Japan Tourism Agency, Multilingual Explanation Database. This English text was produced by the Japan Tourism Agency's multilingual explanation project and is shown unedited. Opening hours and services may have changed since it was written.