The Forgotten Shrine

I've spent most of the day studying. Decided I had to get away from the computer (so it wouldn't distract me) and went to Gasto for dinner and the drink bar (free refills!). Between bites of Meat Doria, I reviewed mostly reading sections and grammar points, writing in the words I didn't immediately know the translation of as well as doing the reading Q&A's in the book to make sure I understood what was going on (as far as I know, I'm doing okay.)

After I had my fill of Coke and mountain grape soda, I packed up and headed home, but not before I stopped at a small shrine that I pass every now and then. Given how late it was, there wasn't much light to speak of. One of the entry lanterns was burnt out (later discovered there is no bulb in there. I think I might buy one from Kyu-Kyu and replace it myself. I don't think anyone would mind, really...), but nevertheless, I headed in.

As far as I could tell in the dark, the shrine is in disrepair. The grounds are rather barren and lifeless, the o-fuda are shredded to hell and back, and the bell-tassel could probably do with a replacement. What really stood out was that there was a group of guys who were just sitting on the shrine steps, smoking and joking away like it wasn't even a sacred place.

It kind of makes you realize just how much even the influence and reverence for Shinto is fading in the modernizing world of Tokyo. No one notices these small shrines. Even the purification font wasn't working. Regardless of this, when I approached the shrine proper, the men scattered (literally jumping over the stone wall that surrounds the shrine) and I went through the motions -- tomorrow is a big exam and I want to do great, and a little help from the local kami wouldn't hurt too much, in my opinion.

I stood there for sometime, thinking about how sad and lonely the kami of the shrine must be, and how neglected. I wish I could learn more. I think I might take some photos on a day off to see if I can't find anything that would give me an idea about this shrine and it's history (and why it's in ill repute now...)

Edit: As far as I can make out, it is a shrine to Hachiman, like a lot of the shrine's in the Musashino area are.