This is the local shrine in Nishinomiya, it is a ten minute walk from my Wakakusa Dormitory. Small ancient shrines like this one can be found in most of Japan`s cities. This beautiful Shinto shrine was literally only ten feet away from the busy train tracks, and less than a mile away from the new three story shopping mall `lalaport` where you can find both Starbucks and The Gap. Yet, despite modern man`s encrochment into all aspects of Japanese life, this beautiful spiritual center remains respectufully preserved.