In the lush, shaded corners of Japan’s Shinto shrines, it’s not just humans who come to find peace. Often nestled beneath towering trees with thick, leafy canopies, these sacred spaces also attract the quiet presence of animals and insects—drawn by the cool air and stillness. But one shrine in particular has gone above and beyond to welcome even the smallest visitors.
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At Hitokotonushi Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture, the spirit of Shintoism—which emphasizes harmony and respect for all living things—has been brought to life in the most unexpected way: by building a dedicated water station for bees.
In every Shinto shrine, you’ll find a temizu-ya—a traditional water basin where visitors purify themselves by rinsing their hands and mouths before entering the sacred grounds. These basins are often a haven for thirsty insects like bees during Japan’s scorching summers.
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But instead of swatting them away, the caretakers at Hitokotonushi Shrine embraced them. They created a small, beautifully designed water feature just for the bees. Covered in soft moss and positioned in a shady spot, this mini oasis allows the bees to drink safely—no longer clinging precariously to the edges of large basins.
The bees quickly fell in love with their private watering hole—and so many began visiting that the shrine built a second one. And this time, they went even further: the new water station was styled like a miniature shrine, complete with a tiny torii gate, a pebble path, and a miniature shrine at the center. It’s a delicate, whimsical scene that looks like something out of a fairytale—or perhaps a Studio Ghibli film.
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To ensure human visitors understand and respect the bees’ presence, the shrine staff even installed gentle signs explaining that these bees are peaceful and won’t sting unless provoked. They also created a short illustrated comic, telling the charming story of the bees’ quest to find a place to quench their thirst.
The initiative didn’t just attract bees. Other small insects, curious and equally thirsty, also began to visit. It seems these tiny creatures appreciate the shrine’s kindness just as much as we do.
After photos of the bee shrine were posted online, they quickly went viral. People all over Japan—and beyond—were touched by the simple yet profound gesture of coexistence. It’s a perfect reflection of Shinto belief: that every creature, no matter how small, deserves respect and care.
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Today, Hitokotonushi Shrine has become a peaceful summer retreat not only for bees, but for tourists and locals alike—people seeking shade, serenity, and a gentle reminder that harmony with nature is not just possible, but beautiful.
Planning a trip to Japan? Don’t miss this heartwarming stop in Ibaraki—a place where kindness isn’t just shown to people, but to every buzzing, fluttering lifeform that calls this earth home.
