Ancient Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine site
(Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine, 5-1-1 Yoyogi)
Head up Yamate-dori St., which runs above the
train tracks from Yoyogi Hachiman Station, toward
Shinjuku, and the trees of Yoyogi Hachiman Shrine
will come into view on the right after a short walk.
Discovered in 1950, places
where pi l lars once stood
were unear thed along with
a dwelling site and numerous
artifacts. Estimating from
the pottery unearthed here,
people lived at this site approximately
4,500 years ago.
Today, a reproduction of an
ancient house of that time is
on display at the site.
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An unusual cherry tree--where the number of petals varies from flower to flower--has reputedly been flourishing at this shrine since the latter part of the 12th century.
The main hall of Konno is the oldest extant building from the Edo period in this part of Tokyo. The shrine's gods, a white tiger and a tapir, grace either side of the hall. To the left of the main hall there is a stage for Noh theater.
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Much more with some pics:
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/fe20051007se.html