Located in the town of Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, Ginyo Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, believed to be an ancestral deity of the local Echizen clan. The shrine is famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees and vibrant autumn foliage. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets at the shrine's tea house, as well as participate in festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival in late March.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tamazusa-hime
- Kami enshrined
- Tamazusa-hime
- Coordinates
- 35.9263866, 136.1572767
Visitor tip
To experience the full beauty of the shrine's autumn foliage, plan your visit for mid-to-late November when the maple trees are at their peak color.
Cultural notes
Ginyo Shrine is also believed to be the ancestral home of the legendary samurai lord Saigō Takamori, who played a key role in Japan's modernization. The shrine's architecture and grounds reflect traditional Edo period design, with a distinctive five-story pagoda and beautiful garden.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 747 CE during the Nara period, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.