Towards the southern end of Gofukucho-dori shopping street in the heart of Shizuoka City, Ogushi shrine is a pleasant, spacious shinto shrine which makes a good place to rest your weary legs after a morning or afternoon in the shops.
There are several side shrines, each with their own distinct pair of komainu guardian lion-dogs, as well as a large, handsome traditional worship hall. One of the side shrines you reach by crossing a bright red bridge over a tranquil pond, which is home to big carp that you can watch gliding slowly around. This may be the oldest part of the whole place, as there's a water-vessel absolutely overgrown with moss, and a small waterfall that feeds the pond.
I was there during the annual Daidogei Street Performance World Cup, which saw the shrine join the action by holding some events, such as a fun, energetic performance I saw one evening. There are other events held there as well throughout the year, such as the shinto summer festival held at the end of July each year.
Peter Sidell @peter.sidell
I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.
