Located in the city of Akita, Tsukumo Tenmangu Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the kami, Tsukuyomi, who is the god of the moon and the twin brother of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. This shrine was originally built as a memorial for Prince Tsukiyomi's wife, and has since become an important site for the region's agricultural communities. Visitors can see beautiful traditional Japanese gardens, as well as several unique architectural features, including the wooden bridge called “Kakegawa” that spans over 14 meters across the river.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukuyomi
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukuyomi
- Coordinates
- 39.2609999, 140.5333676
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, consider visiting during cherry blossom season, when the surrounding gardens are especially stunning.
Cultural notes
Tsukuyomi is often invoked for good harvests and protection from natural disasters. The shrine also hosts an annual festival called 'Tenmangu Matsuri' in May, which features traditional dances, music, and food stalls.
Historical note
The shrine was originally founded in the late Heian period and has been rebuilt several times due to fires.