A venerable Shinto shrine thought to have been founded in the thirteenth century, Minase Jingu is best known nowadays for its dedication to kemari, the football-like game played by Japan’s nobles and courtiers in ancient and mediaeval times. Visitors can dress up as the aristocrats of old and kick a ball around at the shrine’s kemari demonstrations, held a few times every year, or take part in the regular Sunday practices that take place weekly from 4pm between March and November (except when it rains).
As for non-footy highlights, the shrine’s grand reception hall (kyakuden) has been designated an Important Cultural Property, and the main shrine and gate are well worth a look too. There’s also a spring on the grounds, where anyone can fill up their bottle with clear drinking water between 6am and 5pm. You’ll find the shrine tucked away among houses and apartment buildings in sleepy Shimamoto, northeast of the city of Osaka.