Located in the city of Hitachino, Ibaraki Prefecture, North Direction Site Cavern Shrine honors Kofuku-no-Kami, a Shinto deity believed to have created Japan's capital city and protected its inhabitants. The shrine is famous for its unique architecture, featuring a large cavern with three distinct entrances. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include several other shrines dedicated to various regional deities.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Kofuku-no-Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Kofuku-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.7138878, 139.815681
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, arrive at sunrise or sunset to witness the changing light within the cavern and observe the unique architectural details.
Cultural notes
Kofuku-no-Kami is also associated with fertility and protection. The shrine's location on a hilltop offers stunning views of the surrounding area, making it an ideal spot for viewing local festivals like the Hitachino Festival in spring.
Historical note
The site dates back to the early Edo period (1603-1867), when it was built as a sacred place for the construction of Hitachino Castle.