Located in the heart of Akita City, Godai Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Kamakura's legendary warlord Minamoto no Yoritomo's ancestor, Minamoto no Noriyoshi, however most locals worship the Kami of rice, or Tamayotsukuni. The shrine was originally built in 1607 during the Edo period but was relocated to its current location in 1879 after being destroyed by a flood. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature a serene pond and traditional Japanese architecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tamayotsukuni
- Kami enshrined
- Tamayotsukuni
- Coordinates
- 39.2140498, 140.4898821
Visitor tip
For visitors wishing to participate in a traditional purification ritual, be sure to bring an item to be burned on the shore of Godai-jinzu River near the shrine's grounds and use the provided urns.
Cultural notes
Tamayotsukuni is often depicted as a rice-farming kami who watches over agricultural prosperity. During the New Year (Oshogatsu) festival, locals visit the shrine to pray for good harvests and fertile land.
Historical note
The shrine was relocated to its current site in 1879.