Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
The acclaimed animated blockbuster Your Name, touted as the successor to Studio Ghibli’s master Hayao Miyazaki, has surpassed 15 billion yen in box office revenue. Many viewers, after watching the film, have also started including charming traditional shrines as must-visit destinations on their travel itineraries, hoping to capture poetic and picturesque photos in front of historic Japanese-style buildings and torii gates, and enjoy the serene and solemn atmosphere.
The classic charm of Tsuoying Shrine (Image source / Miaoli Travel Guide)
In fact, Taiwan also has similar shrine scenes. Tsuoxian Shrine, located on Tiger Head Mountain in Miaoli, was built in 1937 during the Japanese colonial period and boasts a long cultural history. Influenced by Japanese culture, its architecture features traditional Japanese shrine designs, and it has recently become one of the must-shoot spots for many visitors.
The approach to Tsuoxian Shrine during the Japanese colonial period (Image source / Wikipedia)
Strolling along the shrine steps under the dappled light filtering through the trees is refreshing and uplifting, almost like stepping into a scene from the movie Your Name. The site includes numerous historical relics such as the shrine office, the first torii gate, the temizuya (hand-washing pavilion), the approach, stone lanterns, the second torii gate, the worship hall, the offering hall, and the main hall.
The shaded path of the shrine (Image source / Miaoli Travel Guide)
Besides enjoying the historical ambiance of the shrine, you can also explore nearby attractions such as old railway sites to discover more hidden beautiful corners.
【Info】
Tsuoxian Shrine
Address: No. 8, Zhongzheng Road, Tsuoxian Township, Miaoli County (Hutou Mountain Park)
Popular Animated Film Your Name: Tokyo Pilgrimage Sites
》http://www.mook.com.tw/article.php?op=articleinfo&articleid=14043