Sagano Bamboo Forest and Nonomiya Shrine

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Culture-Shrine Nature-Forest

Sagano Bamboo Forest and Nonomiya Shrine

The swaying stalks of the Sagano Bamboo grove are right on Tenryuji’s doorstep. While the green-lined paths may be filled with people, the impressive grove is still a sight to behold, but arrive early if you’re looking for serenity. The area is free to explore, with small temples and shrines dotted throughout. One of the highlights is Nonomiya shrine, once a sacred house for Shinto Priestesses. Mentioned in the famous 11th century novel the Tale of Genji, it was a site for purification and is now popular with women seeking love, strong matrimony and fortune in childbearing. The small grounds host a series of beautiful ema boards (plaques for wishes), a main altar and a series of smaller shrines surrounded by a simple moss garden. You can purchase a good luck charm and make a wish at the turtle rock - it promises to grant a wish in a year. The unusual black tori gate which marks the entrance recreates the ancient style of the shrine’s past and welcomes guests throughout the year. There is also an option to walk to Otagi Nenbutsuji, a temple with over 100 unique carved statues. It is a 40-minute walk but you can visit Jojakuko, Nison-in and Gio temples along the way as well as the Saga Toriimoto preserved street. It will also be much quieter than other areas as few make this extra journey! Hours: 9am - 5pm (Nonomiya) [Images: 1. Shingo_No/Pixabay, 2. LCB, 3. LCB]