折花神社, located in the heart of Yamanashi Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the spirit of love and beauty. The shrine's name, 'Furubana-jinja,' translates to 'God of Folded Cherry Blossoms.' According to local legend, the shrine was built by a samurai who fell in love with a geisha and wanted to create a sacred space for their love to flourish.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- null
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 35.5183408, 139.0964561
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early in the morning or late in the evening when the cherry blossoms are in bloom, as this allows you to enjoy their beauty without the crowds.
Cultural notes
In Japanese culture, cherry blossoms symbolize the fleeting nature of life and love. As such, Furubana-jinja is often visited by couples on Valentine's Day, known as 'Arakawa' or ' Cherry Blossom Viewing,' where women give gifts to their loved ones in exchange for admittance into a sacred space.
Historical note
The shrine dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867) and is one of the oldest shrines in Yamanashi Prefecture.