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On the southwest of Lake Haruna, Haruna Shrine (榛名神社) has been taking care of the area because the late sixth century. The 30-minute stroll on the method from the torii gate to the primary worship corridor is so mysterious that some type of sacred energy is gained simply by taking a brief journey! That is very true after you stroll previous the Seven Fortunate Gods (七福神).
The Engishikinaisha (延喜式内社) type shrine was erected to worship Mt. Haruna, making it a coaching floor for Mt. Haruna’s mountain worshippers. The principle gods enshrined are the God of Fireplace (Homusubi no Kami, 火産霊神) and the God of Earth (Haniyamahime no Kami, 埴山毘売神). Since historical instances, pilgrims have visited the shrine to hope for prosperity and enterprise success.
Extra lately, the shrine is named a spot the place your needs can come true within the Kanto area. Folks touring from the prefectures close by would typically search assist from the gods to realize their objectives.
Due to its lengthy historical past, a lot of the structure in Haruna Shrine’s precinct are Nationwide Vital Cultural Properties. Even a lantern along side the method has its personal story!
Desk of Content material
Ichi no Torii Gate (一ノ鳥居) and Ni no Torii Gate (ニノ鳥居)
Haruna Shrine’s purple first torii gate (Ichi no Torii Gate) is positioned greater than 5 km down the mountain from the primary torii gate. Should you drive from Lake Haruna, you received’t even go previous Lake Haruna. So if you wish to do a correct pilgrimage, you will want to enter from Takasaki Metropolis’s Muroda space (室田).
The bronze Ni no Torii Gate is positioned in entrance of the shrine’s Zuishinmon Gate. It’s the place most individuals began their pilgrimage.
Bear in mind to bow as soon as earlier than passing via the torii gate. Additionally, it’s best to stroll alongside the aspect stroll and go away the center empty for the gods.
Zuishinmon Gate (随神門)
Past the shrine’s torii gate is an previous however majestic picket gate embellished with delicately curving stands. It was restored in 1847.
Earlier than Buddhism was separated from Shintoism in 1868, Haruna Shrine was often called Gandenji Temple (榛名山厳殿寺), and the gate was the temple’s mountain gate. After the separation, the 2 Niō statues have been changed by two Zuijin statues, so all the things within the shrine’s precinct is Shintoism-related.
After passing Zuishinmon Gate, you’ll be able to greet the primary statue of the Seven Fortunate Gods. This fortunate god may give you blessings and needs for clean relationships along with your colleagues. In case you are a efficiency artist, you’d need him to maintain you too!
Haruna Shrine’s Solemn Strategy
The 700-meter method stretching from Zuishinmon has a solemn environment. Lined by quite a few tall cedars and recent inexperienced moss-covered stone fences and with the water flowing sound from the stream on the correct, the method is refreshing to stroll on, even on a scorching summer time day.
In the direction of the tip of the method, after passing the small purple Misogi Bridge (みそぎ橋), there’s a somewhat well-known cafe and memento store referred to as Misogi Cafe (みそぎ屋). It’s rumored that if you are going to buy a plum manjū (梅まんじゅう) and eat it as you stand on the Misogi Bridge whereas making a want, financial luck will come your method. Apparently, a few pilgrims have received the lottery simply by following these easy steps!
So if you’re concerned about performing this easy ritual, go to Haruna Shrine early earlier than the buns are bought out!
The plum manjū buns are available 2 colours, pink and white. Each of them are appropriate for the ritual.
Jinhōden (神宝殿) and Gyōjakei Valley (行者渓)
Jinhōden, also called Sanjū no Tō (三重の塔), is a 3-story pagoda that was accomplished in 1869. It’s a constructing that syncretizes Shinto and Buddhism. Apparently, it’s the solely pagoda in Gunma Prefecture.
On the different finish of a tunnel of Jinhōden, there’s a purple Shinkyō Bridge (神橋) crossing a deep valley often called Gyōjakei. It was the place the mountain worshippers would practice, thus the identify.
The valley’s surroundings consisting of unusually formed rocks is charming from Shinkyō Bridge. However that is simply the starters. Past the bridge are much more monumental and amazingly formed rocks.
Mannen Spring (萬年泉)
You’ll encounter a properly following the stone stairs near Shinkyō Bridge. Its identify means a ‘spring whose water by no means dries up’. Since historical instances, the water from the properly has been utilized in many rain-praying rituals.
Misuzu Falls (瓶子の滝) and Omizuya (御水屋)
Proceed additional in direction of Haruna Shrine’s principal corridor. As a result of the form fashioned by the rocks that sandwiched the waterfall resembles the bottle that holds the sacred wine supplied to the god, they have been named Misuzu. The waterfall that falls into the “sake bottle” was thus named Misuzu Falls.
After trying out the waterfall, don’t overlook to show round and rinse your palms and mouth at Omizuya, Haruna Shrine’s purification fountain.
Yatatesugi (矢立杉) and Miyukiden (神幸殿)
Amongst the numerous tall bushes in Haruna Shrine’s precinct, what would possibly catch your consideration is the 55-meter-tall cedar. It’s simply reverse Omizuya and on the left of the staircase resulting in Shōryūmon Gate.
The tree named Yatatesugi is a delegated Nationwide Pure Monument (国の天然記念物). It’s mentioned that the well-known warrior Takeda Shingen (武田信玄) shot an arrow from the cedar to hope for victory to take down Minowa Fortress (箕輪城).
The previous constructing subsequent to Yatatesugi is named Miyukiden. Accomplished in 1859, it’s the place a lot of Haruna Shrine’s rituals are held. In the course of the ritual, the god enshrined in the primary worship corridor is transferred by a conveyable shrine to Miyukiden. Prayers and performances will then happen.
Shōryūmon Gate (双龍門)
Probably the most unforgettable structure in Haruna Shrine must be the Shōryūmon Gate. Constructed beneath magnificent dark-colored rocks, sensible dragon photographs are carved all through the gate. From its form, the left rock behind the gate was named Halbert Rock (Hoko-iwa, 鉾岩). It is usually referred to as Candle Rock (ローソク岩) as a consequence of its form. It’s so majestic trying that it looks like it’s holding some form of energy vitality inside it!
Though they’re all discolored, the dragon carvings on the gate look so energetic that it looks as if they might fly out any second! This is the reason the gate was named Shōryū. When Shōryūmon was reconstructed in 1855, round 2,280 folks have been concerned in reconstructing it!
Honden (本殿)
Haruna Shrine’s most necessary worship halls are positioned behind Shōryūmon Gate, together with Honden (本殿), Hokusosha (国祖社), Gakuden (額殿), and Kaguraden (神楽殿). The worship halls have been constructed in opposition to the rocky cliffs to kind an oblong sq.. Though Honden is the primary worship corridor, reconstructed in 1806, it’s truly a comparatively newer constructing.
The principle corridor, Honden, is especially distinctive. It’s fashioned by three buildings: Honsha (本社) on the again, Haiden (拝殿) on the entrance, and Heiden (幣殿) within the center. Whereas it will look like the worship corridor is simply in entrance of the cliff, for those who view it from the aspect, you’ll notice the Haiden is constructed within the rock.
The rock is named Misugata Rock (御姿岩). It’s Honden’s object of worship. Haruna Shrine’s principal god is enshrined within the a part of the constructing that’s within the rock. In keeping with the priest, it’s also the place you’ll be able to acquire sacred energy.
Hokusosha (国祖社), Gakuden (額殿), and Kaguraden (神楽殿)
The worship halls on the left of Honden are Hokusosha and Gakuden. They’re Haruna Shrine’s auxiliary shrines. Hokusosha was first accomplished between 1716 and 1736, adopted by Gakuden, which is Hokusosha’s annex, which was accomplished in 1814 as a spot to view the efficiency at Kaguraden.
It wouldn’t be arduous to inform that the buildings have existed for hundreds of years on condition that the picket plaques hung are all old-looking and discolored. The gods enshrined there are all associated to Haruna Shrine’s principal god.
Reverse Honden, Kaguraden was reconstructed in 1764. It’s the place shrine maidens would give dance performances to entertain the gods. The rationale that the efficiency stage’s flooring is of the identical top as Honden is to permit the gods in Honden to see the performances clearly.
The Iron Lantern (鉄灯篭)
In entrance of the Kaguraden at Gakuden’s left, an iron lantern is fenced. Decided to be made in 1323, it’s Gunma Prefecture‘s oldest iron lantern. The lantern is claimed to be supplied by Niita Yoshisada (新田義貞), a feudal lord within the early 14th century.
Water Fortune Slip (ご神水開運おみくじ)
Haruna Shrine is also called a shrine to hope for rain. Within the good previous days, a bamboo water bottle crammed with the shrine’s sacred water was given to pilgrims after a prayer ritual. The pilgrims would then carry out one other rain-praying ritual with the sacred water in areas the place rain is required. It’s mentioned that the ritual is absolutely efficient!
So along with the conventional fortune slips, Haruna Shrine additionally presents guests water fortune slips. After acquiring a clean fortune slip from the tables in entrance of the Kaguraden, pour water over it on the Suikinkutsu reverse Misogi Cafe in your method again down. Your fortune will quickly be revealed. In case you are not joyful along with your fortune, insert the slip into the large Kaiun Lantern (廻運燈篭) close by.
Don’t fear about not having the ability to discover the Suikinkutsu. It has a big clarification board with the picture of the water fortune slip subsequent to it!
The lantern has 12 bins. Every field has been assigned to a particular zodiac. Spin the lantern after placing your fortune slip right into a field that represents your zodiac signal. By doing so, good luck will comply with (^_-)-☆. Earlier than the Haruna Shrine disposes of your fortune slip, the priest will give blessings to it, hoping that the one that has drawn the slip resides a cheerful life.
Concerning the Suikinkutsu, it’s mentioned that for those who take heed to the clear sound it produces along with your life associate, you’ll stay fortunately thereafter. You would possibly see {couples} pouring water down the Suikinkutsu collectively throughout your go to.
Tsudura Rock (九折岩)
The very last thing we need to introduce is Tsudura Rock. Should you comply with the promenade alongside the Haruna River from Haruna Shrine to Mt. Haruna and stroll for round 20 minutes, there’s a rock referred to as Tsudura-iwa. It’s as if the cliff was as soon as alive because it stretches in direction of the sky. As a result of the rocks are stacked on prime of the opposite like a Genga, it was named Tsudura.
Haruna Shrine’s Fall Foliage Season
Haruna Shrine’s autumn foliage season is normally from late October to mid-November.
Haruna Shrine’s Opening Hours and Entry Data
- Haruna Shrine is open from:
- 7 am to six pm from April to September
- 7 am to five pm from October to March
- From JR Takasaki Station west exit (高崎駅西口), take Gunma Bus’s service certain for Lake Haruna and get off at Haruna Jinja-mae (榛名神社前).
- The bus journey takes round 70 minutes.
- Should you plan to return from Ikaho Onsen, take Gunma Bus’ service certain for Harunako Onsen Yusuge, and get off on the terminal cease. From Harunako Onsen Yusuge, take Gunma Bus’ service certain for Takasaki Station West Exit and get off at Haruna Shrine.
Exploring Lake Haruna and Mt. Haruna
The trio, Haruna Shrine, Lake Haruna, and Mt. Haruna are positioned so shut collectively that many individuals will go to them one after one other within the someday. Should you plan on driving, it would solely take round 20 minutes to journey between Haruna Shrine and Lake Haruna. So when you’ve got a day to spare, how about exploring one other scenic vacation spot in Takasaki Metropolis after visiting Haruna Shrine within the morning?
For extra data, seek advice from our Mt. Haruna and Lake Haruna article!
Uncover Different Points of interest in Ikaho Onsen
Not too removed from Lake Haruna, Ikaho Onsen is among the most well-known scorching spring cities in Gunma Prefecture. Not solely does it have mineral-rich scorching springs and is crammed with scrumptious cafes and retailers, however the onsen city additionally presents wonderful surroundings!
So seek advice from our Finest Information to the Should-Go to Spots in Ikaho Onsen to plan your go to!
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