Ayabe Shrine

What it is

• Also known as Ayabe Hachimangu or Ayabe Hachiman Shrine.
• Called "Japan's oldest weather station."
• Enshrines the god of wind.
• Established in 1205.

What to see

• A torii gate from 1701 with an inscription about the flag.
• Sacred ginkgo tree, one of Saga's 100 famous trees.
• Botamochi sold at the approach to the shrine.

When to go

• July 15th for the Hataage Shinji (flag raising ritual).
• Wind divination ritual is an intangible folk cultural property.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.