Akiba Shrine
Throughout history, fire has been one of the greatest threats to Ogimachi. The thatched roofs of the village’s wooden houses catch fire easily, and despite the best efforts of local residents, destructive blazes have torn through the settlement on several occasions. Two of the largest fires occurred in 1718 and 1749, with the western part of Ogimachi bearing the brunt of the damage on both occasions. Hoping to put an end to the misfortune, people in western Ogimachi decided to establish a shrine to protect their community from future calamities. This sanctuary remained a modest place of worship until the Taisho era (1912–1926), when the shrine building was reconstructed and officially dedicated to Kagutsuchi, the Shinto god of fire. That was also when the site was renamed Akiba Shrine to signify its association with Akihasan Hongu in Shizuoka Prefecture, the main Shinto sanctuary enshrining Kagutsuchi. Nowadays believed to protect all of Ogimachi, Akiba Shrine remains a respected institution in the village.