Can you believe this serene place was once caught in the crossfire of religious conflict? Right here, surrounded by lush greenery, stands the Ibaraki Shrine. It whispers a story that stretches back over 1,200 years. The Ibaraki Shrine’s history is deeply intertwined with the city of Ibaraki itself. Legend has it, the shrine’s origins lie in the year 807. When a village headman established a shrine for travelers. Later, in the tumultuous Sengoku period, the lord of Ibaraki Castle, Nakagawa Kiyohide, held this shrine in high regard. He declared it off-limits to invaders. Amazingly, his decree was so respected that even Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the legendary unifier of Japan, spared the shrine. Imagine Hideyoshi, enjoying a peaceful tea ceremony, refreshed by the water drawn from the “Kuroi no Shimizu” well, which you can still find in the shrine grounds. This very ground has felt the weight of history, witnessing eras of peace and conflict. The shrine has undergone many transformations. The main hall we see today, elegant and timeless, was actually reconstructed just a few years ago in 2022, marking the 400th anniversary of its original structure. Ibaraki Shrine embraces both the old and the new. The juxtaposition of modern renovations against the backdrop of ancient tales makes this place truly special. As you stroll through the serene grounds, remember, you’re walking in the footsteps of shoguns and samurai, villagers and travelers, all drawn to this peaceful haven.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to