Located in the city of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, Shingu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune, Ryujin. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian-period origins, with a unique blend of Buddhist and Shinto elements. Visitors can explore the shrine's peaceful gardens and traditional buildings, including the iconic Odawara Castle Ruins nearby.
- Denomination
- KCN
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Ryujin
- Coordinates
- 35.3282631, 139.557596
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's tranquility, consider visiting at dawn or dusk when the soft morning or evening light highlights the intricately carved wooden pillars and gates.
Cultural notes
Shingu Shrine is closely tied to the legend of the Minamoto clan, who considered the shrine a sacred site. During the Kamakura period, the shrine was renovated in a distinctive style that blended Shinto and Buddhist elements.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 718 CE during the Nara period, making it one of Japan's oldest shrines.