I discovered this particular shrine by pure chance in a side street not far from Shimizu JR Station.
When I queried about it to a passer-by I was kindly answered that it was only a small and dirty shrine, the way to pique my curiosity!
It is quite old as part of it was restored in the 1920’s!
Walking towards the old torii/sacred gate!
The hand washing stone basin was derelict, indeed!
The smaller but older torii!
Actually it bears the name of one of the shrines found inside the precincts, “Hachimangu/ハ血幡宮”!
It is also remarkable for the two shishi/lion guards under the plaque!
A strange-shaped votive board!
I see! This shrine is particularly popular with soccer players and fans!
The “haiden/hall for worshipers”!
Why three bell ropes?
I actually found the reason later!
An unusual closed-mouthed shishi/komainu/lion guard!
His open-mouthed companion!
The portable shrine with its cart inside the haiden!
Actually the whole Oshiba Shrine is nothing less than an association of many smaller shrines as proved by this series of red-painted torii gates!
When you notice such red-painted torii you can expect the foxes of the Inari Goddess/Agriculture Goddess!
Unusually fierce-looking fox guard!
Same impression from his companion!
A group of three smaller but cute shrines!
The first one!
The second one!
With a whole bestiary to investigate!
“Shishi/lion guard” and “baku/nightmare-eater”!
The third one!
The foxes guard them as couples!
The other fox couple!
The colors reminded me other countries!
More baku!
Walking back through the row of torii!
Tiny “kamidana/shrines”!
Discarded shrines and statues at the back!
I wouldn’t mind taking some of these foxes back but that would be stealing!
Small shrines of another age!
More foxes with Okinawan cheesa!
The honden/main shrine is inaccessible but its design confirmed that the local God was a Goddess indeed!
Wooden architecture details!
from the side!
Plenty of venerable trees!
Good-bye Oshiba Shrine!
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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
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Must-see tasting websites:
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-Wine: Palate To Pen, Warren Bobrow, Cellar Tours, Ancient Fire Wines Blog
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ABRACADABREW, Magical Craftbeer from Japan
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-Japanese Pottery to enjoy your favourite drinks: Yellin Yakimono Gallery
Non gastronomy must-see sites by Shizuoka Residents
HIGHOCTANE/HAIOKU by Nick Itoh in Shizuoka City
SHIZUOKA GOURMET 