Ever since the ancient times, there was a custom in Japan to protect a town, a domain or an important construction with a nearby Shinto shrine dedicated to the tutelary kami gods. These shrines are called chinjusha, “tutelary shrine".

Among the most important chinjusha is the Hie Shrine in Tokyo, dedicated to Oyamakui-no-kami, the kami of Mount Hiei, guardian deity of Tokyo.

Hie Jinja, Chiyoda, Tokyo

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Yesterday’s Japan Photo: Japanese traditional furniture, Chabudai