Because it is one of the main pilgrimage sites in Japan, around the shrine grew a large commercial area, well preserved today, a place well worth exploring for souvenirs and to sample the local cuisine...
EXIF info:
Nikon Df
Lens: 24-70mm F/2.8G
Focal Length: 24mm
Aperture: F/7.1
Shutter Speed: 1/200s
ISO Sensitivity: ISO 400