Located in the Akita Prefecture, Hahakuji Shrine is dedicated to the kami of rice, food, and fertility. The shrine's name, 'Hahakuji,' roughly translates to 'Mountain Rice Shrine.' With its rich history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine has played a significant role in the region's agricultural development. Its unique architecture reflects the Kamakura style, with a distinctive red torii gate and intricately designed roofs.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tano no kami (god of Tano) / Hahakuji no kami
- Kami enshrined
- Tano no kami, Hahakuji no kami
- Coordinates
- 39.3060777, 140.0966535
Visitor tip
To honor the shrine's connection to rice, consider purchasing a bag of Japanese rice before visiting and leaving it at the shrine as an offering.
Cultural notes
As a kami enshrined deity of food, Hahakuji Shrine is often visited by farmers seeking good harvests and by families looking for blessings on their mealtime. The shrine's annual 'Kigo no Tsuki' festival celebrates the full moon that occurs closest to the summer solstice, a time believed to signal the beginning of the new rice planting season.
Historical note
The shrine was originally known as 'Tano no kami,' meaning 'the god of Tano,' but its name was later changed to Hahakuji during the Edo period (1603-1867 CE).