Sugahara Shrine sits on a small island, and during high tide, the path to the main hall is submerged, making it inaccessible. The main hall is perched on a rocky outcrop, with visitors needing to climb steep stairs using a rope for support.

I visited during sunset, and the place was mystical. There were no other tourists around, only a local family—a father and his three kids—swimming and catching fish nearby.

About:

Originally founded during the Sengoku period, the shrine burned down in 1923, yet miraculously, the wooden statue of the deity survived. The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. People come from all over to pray for academic and career success, with the walls lined with ema (wooden plaques) bearing their hopes and prayers.