Shakujii River and Oji Shrine in Oji
1. Today's Walking Course
Today, I came to Oji, north part of Tokyo. I will leave Oji Station, Keihin Tohoku Line for Oji Shrine through Otonashi Water Park.
2. Today's Photographies
There is a very peaceful river called Shakujii River just next the station. I cann't imagine that such a peaceful place is in a hustling and bustling Tokyo.
This area is called Otonashi Water Park, where people can play in the water. Since today is very hot, many people are enjoyning with kids in the river.
Here is an oasis in the city. Some people are cooling down at the riverside.
I went up the hill next the river and found Oji Shrine. Torii, the gate is very magnificient!!
Passing through the gate, I can see the main shrine building.
If you came in front of a main building of shrine, you should put some coin into the offering box. After that, you ring the bell and bow twice deeply and clap your hands together twice. Then, you pray by pressing your palms together. After praying, you bow one more time. This is how to make a prayer in shrine.
You can see a Guardian dog in Japanese Shirine. The model is came from Lion in China.
The portable shrine is desplayed throuogh the glass. The local people carry this and march around the city in the festival.
Tokyo has remained such peaceful old scenery in some places.
3. History
A large weir was created around here in Shakujii River in 1656. After that, this area has attracted many Japanese people as tourist spot. Many people came here to swim in the river or feel nature. This area was also depicted by Hiroshige Utagawa, Japanese famous woodblock artist as below. He introduced this area as one of the 100 attractive spots in Edo, the old name of Tokyo.
4. Information
・Otonashi Water Park is about 3 minutes and Oji Shrine is about 5 minutes from Oji Station on foot
If you are interested in Oji area, please check the following article.
