Located in the town of Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, above a hot spring is the shrine dedicated to Okuninushi-no-kami, an ancestral god revered in Shintoism. The shrine's architectural style reflects the traditional Japanese design with a wooden torii gate and a main hall made from cedar wood. Its proximity to natural hot springs has led to its association with healing and purification rituals.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Okuninushi-no-kami
- Kami enshrined
- Ancestral god, Minakuchi-no-kami, Okuninushi-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 36.2463444, 139.1221175
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, consider taking a stroll along the nearby Kusatsu Onsen hot spring resort, which offers stunning views and natural hot springs.
Cultural notes
Okuninushi-no-kami is associated with the purification of evil spirits and is often invoked during New Year's (Oshogatsu) rituals. The shrine also hosts a annual festival (Matsuri) in September to celebrate the deity's protection over locals and their livestock.
Historical note
Founded during the Edo period, this shrine was originally constructed in honor of Minakuchi-no-kami, but later came to enshrine Okuninushi-no-kami as the primary deity.