Hotoku Ninomiya Jinja

Hotoku Ninomiya Jinja was founded in 1894 (Meiji 27) to enshrine Ninomiya Tokuoku (Kinjiro), an agrarian reformer and philosopher of the late Edo period. Located within Odawara Castle Park, it has become a sacred site that honors Tokuoku's great achievements. Ninomiya Tokuoku proclaimed the 'Hotoku Philosophy' and revived many farming villages through teachings of diligence, moderation, and benevolence. He is famously depicted carrying firewood while reading books, and is remembered as a figure who taught the importance of diligence and scholarship. He continues to be revered as a symbol of effort and sincerity, serving as a source of encouragement for those working toward academic and professional goals.