Nishibira Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, dedicated to the kami of the sea and fishing. The shrine's name, Nishibira, means 'northern wind' or 'north wind', which may refer to the strong oceanic winds that prevail in the area. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, including a wooden torii gate and a large stone lantern.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukuyomi
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukuyomi, the, sun, god
- Coordinates
- 34.8913409, 138.9281684
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's tranquil atmosphere, visit at dawn or dusk when the sun's rays filter through the garden's paper lanterns.
Cultural notes
Nishibira Shrine is connected to the mythology of the Japanese sea goddess, Okami. During the annual Setsubun festival in February, visitors can participate in a ritual to purify and protect themselves from evil spirits, often involving the tossing of beans over their shoulders.
Historical note
The shrine was founded during the Edo period (1603-1867), likely on an earlier ritual site.