San Marino Jinja: the first Shinto Shrine in Europe

Imagine finding yourself among the hills of Titano, where the air is filled with millennial history. Suddenly, as if in a dream, you find yourself in front of a Japanese portal that seems to transport you to another world. You’re not in Japan, you’re at San Marino Jinja, the first recognized Shinto shrine in Europe, a spiritual bridge between East and West.

A Corner of Japan in the Heart of San Marino

At the heart of green Serravalle, at Podere Lesignano (GPS Coordinates: 43°57′29″N 12°28′56″E), stands this architectural gem that blends Japanese spirituality with the San Marino landscape. Inaugurated on June 22, 2014, the San Marino Jinja is not just a place of worship: it is a memorial honoring the thousands of victims of the Great Tohoku Earthquake of March 11, 2011.

The choice of San Marino as the location for this shrine is not coincidental. The oldest republic in the world, land of freedom and peace, welcomes this symbol of harmony between man and nature, creating an unbreakable bond between two millennial cultures.

Visit experience at San Marino Jinja

The spiritual journey begins at the Torii, the traditional entrance gate that marks the boundary between the ordinary world and the sacred one. Two vertical and two horizontal poles that, like ancient guardians, invite visitors to leave behind the daily frenzy.

A few steps beyond, the Temizuya awaits visitors for the purification ritual. The rhythmic sound of bamboo pouring water creates a natural melody that accompanies the ancient gesture of ablutions: washing hands and mouth, a symbolic act of purification before approaching the shrine.

The heart of the complex is the Jinja itself, a small building constructed in the shinmei-zukuri style, the same as the Great Shrine of Ise. Don’t be deceived by its modest size: its importance lies in its deep spiritual significance and connection with the surrounding nature. The shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu, the Sun goddess, a central figure in Shinto mythology.

A Philatelic Tribute to San Marino Jinja

The cultural importance of this sacred place was also celebrated through a special philatelic issue on June 5, 2018. The sheet, created by artist Dara Giardi, consists of two values of €2.00 each, for a total face value of €4.00. With a print run of 250,000 copies, this stamp represents the deep bond between San Marino and Japan, immortalizing the white Torii and the wooden shrine through a four-color offset printing with invisible yellow fluorescent ink.

Uniqueness and Cultural Significance

The San Marino Jinja received official recognition from the Jinja Honcho, the association of Shinto shrines, in 2019, thus becoming the first and only official shrine in Europe. The cypress wood used for its construction comes from the Great Shrine of Ise, one of Japan’s most sacred places, emphasizing the importance and authenticity of this place.

Shintoism, more than a religion in the Western sense of the term, is a spiritual path that celebrates harmony with nature. Here, among the rows of vines and olive trees of Titano, this philosophy finds perfect expression, creating a silent dialogue between two millennial cultures.

Practical information for the visit

• Address: Via dei Dativi 75, Serravalle, Repubblica di San Marino
• Hours: Accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the year
• Cost: Free
• Parking: available at the bottom of the dirt road

For a respectful visit, it is recommended to:

• Maintain a moderate tone of voice
• Perform the ablution ritual at the Temizuya
• If desired, perform the traditional greeting: two bows, two hand claps, and a final bow

The San Marino Jinja is open to visitors of all beliefs and cultures, perfectly embodying the welcoming spirit of Shintoism. Guided tours can be organized for groups upon reservation.

This unique place represents one of the 10 reasons to visit San Marino, adding a touch of Eastern mysticism to the already rich cultural offering of the Republic.

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