Sometimes you have to keep your eyes open!
I was riding the bus to Shizunami in Yoshida Cho and was nearing my destination when I noticed this shrine our of the window.
I noted the bus stop and on my way back I alighted to investigate!

It looked quite impressive for a “local” shrine!
Actually I had the luck to meet its resident “kanshi/priest” who provided me with many an interesting point.
In fact, they are going to hold their annual festival this Sunday, meaning a second trip there!

A beautiful stone lantern!

Unusual motif!

I was a bit confused at the different names of the shrine.
The name written on the torii gate, “Sumiyoshi” is actually the name of the god venerated there, whereas the name of the shrine is Kataoka!

I’ve been to other shrines also called Sumiyoshi, in shizuoka City in particular, and I started to understand because of similarities.
For example this guarding lion!

He has his paw resting on a smaller lion!

And the other guarding lion!

His paw is resting on a ball!

I was told that the main shrine was built 100 years or more ago, but some of the streets are found in records dating back to the 1640’s!

The shrine is definitely of importance as it includes a preliminary roofed gate with guarding lodges!

Getting nearer!

it clearly states the name of Kataoka Shrine!

The tiny right-hand side guard in its minuscule lodge!

His companion on the left!

The roofed hand washing stone basin!

The proper way to wash your hands!

A real boulder for a basin!

This shrine was erected mainly for the protection of local sailors and fishermen as demonstrated by this giant oyster!

The main shrine!

Beautiful urn!

The rice straw garland has been replaced anew!

Lion and wild boar guard!

And a dragon giving a hand!

“Kataoka Shrine”!

The money offerings box!

No less than three portable shrines being readied for the coming festival!

The festival drum!

Crested curtain!

This fishing boat was donated to the Shrine by the Fishing Companies Owners Association!

Bearing the name of “Sumiyoshi”!

A last look at the roofing!

Making my way back home!
Actually the kanushi even offered me a drive!

See you again on Sunday!

RECOMMENDED RELATED WEBSITES

So Good Sushi Restaurant in Nice France
Navigating Nagoya by Paige, Shop with Intent by Debbie, BULA KANA in Fiji, Kraemer’s Culinary blog by Frank Kraemer in New York,Tokyo Food File by Robbie Swinnerton, Green Tea Club by Satoshi Nihonyanagi in Shizuoka!, Mind Some by Tina in Taiwan, Le Manger by Camille Oger (French), The Indian Tourist, Masala Herb by Helene Dsouza in Goa, India, Mummy I Can Cook! by Shu Han in London, Pie
rre.Cuisine, Francescannotwrite, My White Kitchen, Foodhoe, Chucks Eats, Things that Fizz & Stuff, Five Euro Food by Charles,Red Shallot Kitchen by Priscilla,With a Glass, Nami | Just One Cookbook, Peach Farm Studio, Clumsyfingers by Xethia, PepperBento, Hapabento, Kitchen Cow, Lunch In A Box, Susan at Arkonlite, Vegan Lunch Box; Tokyo Tom Baker, Daily Food Porn/Osaka, Only Nature Food Porn, Happy Little Bento, J-Mama’s Kitchen, Cook, Eat, Play, Repeat, Bento Lunch Blog (German), Adventures In Bento, Anna The Red’s Bento Factory, Ohayo Bento,

Must-see tasting websites:

-Sake: Ichi For The Michi by Rebekah Wilson-Lye in Tokyo, Tokyo Through The Drinking Glass, Tokyo Foodcast, Urban Sake, Sake World
-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
-Beer: Another Pint, Please!, Beering In Good Mind: All about Craft Beer in Kansai by Nevitt Reagan!
ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
-Whisky: Nonjatta: All about whisky in Japan by Stefan Van Eycken
-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery

Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents