Dazaifu Tenmangu, Enshrines Sugawara Michizane as The God of Learning
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Sugawara Michizane (845-903, 菅原道真), a renowned scholar who supported the 59th Emperor Uda (867-931, 宇多天皇) as a ‘Monjo-hakase’ (a scholar of the highest rank), offering his extensive knowledge and insight during the emperor’s region. The shrine is the head of the 12,000 Tenmangu shrines across Japan. Sugawara Michizane is revered as […]
Hakozakigu Shrine, Brings Victory and Good Luck
Hakozakigu Shrine is one of Japan's three major Hachimangu shrines (Usa, Iwashimizu Hachimangu, and Hakozakigu shrines). The main deity is the 15th Emperor Ojin, and his mother, Empress Jingu, and Princess Tamayori-hime are enshrined here. When Emperor Ojin was born, Empress Jingu put his placenta in a box called Hako (筥), buried it there, and […]
Kashima Jingu Shrine Enshrines the Diety of War, Takemikazuchi
Kashima Jingu Shrine, located in Ibaraki prefecture near the Pacific Ocean, is one of the oldest shrines in eastern Japan. It was established in 660B.C., the first year of the region of the mythological Emperor Jinmu (神武天皇). It enshrines Takemikazuchi Okami (武甕槌大神), revered as the most powerful deity in Japanese methodology, as described in NIHONSHOKIi […]
Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Seeking a Peaceful World Even After Death
Nikko Toshogu Shrine enshrines the spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu, who laid the foundation for a peaceful era that lasted for 260 years. After settling the turbulent era, Ieyasu's ambition was to secure lasting prosperity and national peace. He faced many adversities in his life: fourteen-year hostage and Ikko-riot of the Jodo Shinsu sect of Buddhism […]
Kasugataisha: A 1,300-Year-Old Sacred Shrine in Nara
Kasgataisha Shrine in Nara has a 1300-year-old history. Feeling the spituality from the sacred deer, mountains, and forests, the all are the divinity of Kasuga's God.
The Oki Islands, The Exile of Emperor Go-Toba by Samurai: A Political Drama in Medieval Japan
A 50-minute flight from Itami Airport in Osaka, the Oki isolated Islands in Shimane Prefecture, a UNESCO World Geopark, are blessed with abundant nature. Since ancient times, the islands have been called the "Islands of the Deities." Japan's oldest books, Kojiki and Nihonshoki, describe the creation of the Oki Islands by two deities, Izanagi and […]
Yoshino Jingu Shrine and Yoshimizu Shrine: The Heart of the Southern Court, Dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo
In spring, Mt. Yoshino is adorned with approximately 30,000 cherry blossoms in full bloom, comprising about 200 different varieties of Yamazakura, mountain cherry blossoms, gradually reach full bloom in four areas - Shimo, Naka, Kami, and Oku – ascending from the base to the summit, taking about a month to unfold fully. The panoramic view […]
Suwa Taisha Shrine: Jomon People's Sprits still Remains
The Onbashira Matsuri Festival is a unique and sacred ritual ceremony held once every seven years at Suwa Taisha Shrine with a long and rich history of at least 1200 years and more. The festival is centered around the transportation of massive sixteen-fir sacred wooden pillars with all branches removed (Onbashira). These 10-ton pillars are […]
Izumo Taisha Shrine: Mystical Secrets of Izumo's Spiritual Power
Izumo holds a special place in Japanese history starting mythological ancient times. Several reasons: The largest Shimenawa, sacred straw ropes, in Japan, the largest Main Shrine in ancient times, the Kamiarisai Festival in October of the lunar calendar, where deities from across Japan gather in Izumo, the largest Bronze bell-shaped vessels and Bronze Swords in […]
Izumo Taisha Shrine: The Heart of the Japanese People at Kamiari-sai Festival
The Kamiari-sai is an annual festival held at Izumo Taisha Shrine, taking place in October according to the lunar calendar. In the year 2023, it’s scheduled from November 22nd to the 29th. The festival is staged to welcome the deities from the nation, and it commences at Inasa-Hama shore, which is situated approximately a 20-minute […]