Stopping by at Osugi Jinja

Osugi Jinja is a Shinto shrine in Inashiki city, Ibaraki Prefecture. We had visited this shrine when we lived in Iwaki. It was not a planned visit, we had chanced upon the shrine on one of our driving trips.

The shrine, also known as "Anba-sama" is the head shrine of all Osugi Shrines in the Kanto and Tohoku regions. The name Osugi comes from the large cedar tree that stands in the shrine complex. The tree is worshipped as a manifestation of the deity.

The shrine is said to date back to 767 AD. 

The current shrine complex appears to have been renovated recently.  The shrine buildings are impressive and reminds one of the bright coloured shrines of Toshogu Shrine and Taiyu-in Byo of Nikko or the Kunozan Toshogu shrine in Shizuoka, albeit small in scale. 

The shrine's wooden buildings are adorned with brightly painted carvings and motifs.

Some huge statues also stand in the shrine complex. 

Stone lanterns donated by believers 

Stone lanterns on either side of the staircase line the path leading to the shrine.

The shrine has been revered by people since the Edo period for prevention of small pox. The deity is also said to protect people who use waterways. The shrine is also popular among people who bet on horse races ! Maybe that's why the temple's Ema (votive) also features a horseshoe. 

Address: Ibaraki Prefecture 300-621, Inashiki, Awa 958

Phone: 029-894-2613

Website : http://www.oosugi-jinja.or.jp/top.html