Located in the town of Kashima, Ibaraki Prefecture, Shirahige Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Tsukiyomi-no-Kami, the god of the moon. The shrine's name, 'Shirahige', literally means 'white hair' and is said to refer to the white hair of Tsukiyomi-no-Kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major pilgrimage site during the Edo period.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukiyomi-no-Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukiyomi-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.7250949, 139.8130611
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight filters through the torii gates, casting a mystical glow over the grounds.
Cultural notes
As a shrine dedicated to Tsukiyomi-no-Kami, Shirahige Jinja is often associated with the myth of the moon goddess, Amaterasu. During the full moon festival in August, visitors can participate in traditional rituals and ceremonies to honor the god.
Historical note
Founded in 1624, Shirahige Jinja was an important center for the Kumamoto-gawa branch of the Ise Grand Shrine, one of Japan's most revered Shinto sites.