“A guardian deity?” you might wonder, intrigued by the inscription on this unassuming shrine. You are standing in front of the Saka Hachiman Shrine, a place deeply intertwined with the history of Saka Town. Established in 1260, Saka Hachiman Shrine has patiently watched over the town’s growth and prosperity. The shrine’s existence is a testament to the enduring belief in guardian deities, protectors of homes, families, and warriors. This belief was especially poignant during the tumultuous era of its founding. Imagine the year 1260. A nobleman named Kanehira Nei, loyal to the defeated Taira clan, seeks refuge in Saka. He brings with him a divine guardian, Hachiman, the god of war, enshrined here ever since. The stone lantern you see above, although a replica, speaks of a turbulent past. The original, a gift from Kanehira Nei, tragically fell victim to a fire in 1826. Despite this loss, the spirit of Saka Hachiman Shrine, a blend of history and resilience, remains. It offers a space for reflection and a tangible link to Saka’s storied past.
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