Gokayama's prominent temple, Shrines are important for worship of Shinto deities in Japan, and are often centered around a natural feature such as a river or mountain. This shrine is located in the Niigata prefecture on Honshu island, and has been a place of worship since 1603.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Mihara-Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Mihara-Okami
- Coordinates
- 37.0488183, 138.2377133
Visitor tip
When visiting, be sure to follow the proper etiquette: upon entering the shrine grounds, remove your shoes and perform a quick bow before proceeding. The shrine's tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for meditation and contemplation.
Cultural notes
This shrine is dedicated to the kami Mihara-Okami, who watches over fishermen and travelers on their journeys. During the Mihari Matsuri festival in November, local residents reenact a traditional ritual involving lanterns, music, and offerings to appease the deity.
Historical note
The shrine was established by the local daimyo Tokugawa Ieyasu's loyal vassal, Tsukiyama Yoshitaka, who was given land in this area to serve as a shrine for the deity Mihara-Okami.