Dayutsu-ji Temple, located in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Otsusei no kami, which translates to 'the god of the day and night'. The shrine's name '日吉山王神社' literally means 'Sun Goddess Shrine on Mountain Dayutsu', reflecting its connection to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine, surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful gardens.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Otsusei no kami
- Kami enshrined
- Sun Goddess, Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 36.459292, 138.1883815
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the beauty of Dayutsu-ji Temple, consider visiting during the autumn foliage season, when the surrounding mountains are ablaze with vibrant colors.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its association with the legendary Japanese spirit, 'yūrei', who is said to appear at the shrine on certain days. Visitors can participate in traditional festivals and ceremonies, such as the Spring Equinox Festival, which honors the deity Otsusei no kami.
Historical note
The shrine was established in the Heian period (794-1185 CE) during the reign of Emperor Ichijō.