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Introducing Hanitsu Shrine in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture!

This video, titled "Hanitsu Jinja – Fukushima – Hanitsu Shrine 8K" (Hanitsu Jinja - Fukushima - 土津神社 - 8K), was uploaded by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful."
It introduces Hanitsu Shrine in Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima, in Japan's Kyushu Region.
In the video, you can see the dignified appearance of the mysterious pure white torii gate as it stands in the snowy landscape.

Hanitsu Shrine is not only famous for its snowy scenery during winter, but also for its beautiful autumn leaves in the fall.
During the autumn foliage season from late October to late November, the shrine is illuminated at night and an autumn leaf festival is held.
During the festival, dumpling shops and other stalls are set up in the precincts of the shrine.
The fantastic scenery of the colorful maple leaves and other foliage is fantastic!

Hanitsu Shrine is also known for its flowers.
In spring, cherry trees donated by the town of Takato in Shinshu, and someiyoshino cherries can be seen in full bloom.
From late April to early May, when the cherry blossoms are at their best, the shrine is crowded with people enjoying cherry blossom viewing.
The cherry blossoms in spring, the colored leaves in autumn, and the pure white torii gate are all beautiful sights throughout the year, making Hanitsu Shrine an Instagrammable destination for many tourists.

The History of Hanitsu Shrine and Its Deities

Image of spring at Hanitsu Shrine, Inowashira, Fukushima
Photo:Spring at Hanitsu Shrine, Inowashira, Fukushima

Hanitsu Shrine is a historic shrine in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture. The shrine was founded in 1675.
When the Aizu clan was defeated in the Boshin War, Hanitsu Shrine was set on fire at the order of Takahashi Gondayu, the lord of Inawashiro Castle, and it burned down, but it was later rebuilt.

Hoshina Masayuki, the first lord of the Aizu domain, is enshrined as the deity of Hanitsu Shrine.
Hoshina Masayuki is known as the kami of children's success and is believed to be blessed with good fortune, good harvest, and traffic safety.
About 500 meters north of the main shrine, there is an inner shrine where the grave of Hoshina Masayuki is located.
This tomb has been designated as a historic site by the government of Japan.

In addition, the sword "Mei Yoshifusa" owned by Hanitsu Shrine is designated as an Important Cultural Property.
There are also silk paintings and monuments, the inner sanctuary, swords and more that have been designated as Cultural Properties of Fukushima Prefecture.
In the precincts of Hanitsu Shrine, visitors can buy good luck charms, Japanese mythical fortunes, Akabeko talismans, and shuin stamps, and from 0:50 in the video, you can see the fortunes tied up in the precincts.

Summary of Hanitsu Shrine in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture

Image of autumn at Hanitsu Shrine, Inowashira, Fukushima
Photo:Autumn at Hanitsu Shrine, Inowashira, Fukushima

This article introduced Hanitsu Shrine located in Inawashiro in the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture.
In the video, you can see the beautiful shrine grounds covered with snow, giving off a tranquil and spiritual atmosphere. The video also conveys the beauty of the uniquely Japanese wabi sabi landscape.

The shrine in winter, as shown in the video, is wonderful, but the illuminated autumn foliage and spring cherry blossoms are also a must-see.
If you're interested in Hanitsu Shrine, which is also a popular power spot, be sure to check it out!

◆Hanitsu Shrine – Access and General Information◆
【Address】Aza Mineyama 1, Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Pref.
【Hours】:Mon. – Sun. 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
【Telephone】0242-62-2160
【Access】10 minutes by taxi from Inawashiro Station on the JR Banetsu West Line
Access by car is a 10-minute drive from the Ban-Etsu Expressway's Inawashiro Bandai Kogen IC towards the Inawashiro Ski Resort.
【Parking】There is a free parking lot in the south of the precincts
【Fees (Offerings)】Formal prayers from 5,000 yen, individual prayers from 5,000 yen, shuin stamps from 300 yen
【Pets】Dogs and other pets are allowed at the shrine, but please be aware that they are not allowed to "mark their territory" or disturb worshippers to the shrine.

【TripAdvisor】Hanitsu Shrine
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120997-d5970665-Reviews-Hanitsu_Shrine-Inawashiro_machi_Yama_gun_Fukushima_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

Written By
Last Updated : Mar. 26, 2023
Japan
鈴木 正孝(Masataka Suzuki)
A writer born and raised in Asakusa, Tokyo who loves traveling and novels
Hanitsu Shrine - See the Beautiful Pure White Torii Gate Surrounded by Snowy Scenery! From Cherry Blossoms in the Spring to Autumn Leaves in the Fall, This Popular Tourist Spot in Fukushima Is Full of Attractions!
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