Today I visited the Washinomiya Shrine, famous because it is the oldest Shrine in Kanto (since year 660), but also because it is the setting for the anime series Lucky Star.
The mixture between the two worlds, shinto and otaku, striked me from the first moment, when I arrived at the train station, where I discovered a mikoshi decorated with Lucky Star characters.
Many shops in Washimiya are decorated with Lucky Star posters, some even sell Lucky Star branded merchandise…Follow up:
… like this shop with cosplay articles:
The torii became world famous because of the anime’s opening sequence:
The Shrine has a beautiful, uncommon architecture:
It is said that the Kanto Kagura dance have originated here. The stage for the Kagura dances:
A big surprise are the Ema plaques for prayers, which are decorated with various anime characters!
This is definitely the Otaku sacred place in Japan.
Regardless if you’re an anime fan or not, the Washinomiya Shrine is a must see place in Japan.