Temizu, a symbolic purification performed before visiting the shrine is an important part of the Shinto etiquette, so the large shrines have structures dedicated to this ritual.

Called Temizuya, these are open pavilions, with a running water basin inside, as you can see in this photo taken at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, in Kamakura. Little architectural jewels, these constructions are often beautifully decorated with themes similar to the main building of the shrine.

Temizuya, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Kamakura

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Kochi Castle, a bit of history