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Junisho Shrine

十二所社

Junisho-sha

Gifu

A shrine dedicated to the twelve protective deities (junisho), which are Shinto manifestations of Buddhist guardian deities that protect different directions and time periods. These shrines often serve as local protective centers for their communities.

Denomination
Junisho
Religion
shinto
Enshrined kami
Twelve protective deities
Kami enshrined
Twelve Protective Deities
Coordinates
35.2608801, 136.8661188

Visitor tip

Look for representations or symbols of the twelve zodiac animals, which often correspond to the protective deities enshrined here.

Cultural notes

The twelve deities (junisho) represent a syncretic blend of Shinto and Buddhist traditions, where Buddhist protective deities were incorporated into Shinto practice as kami. Each deity traditionally governs specific directions, zodiac animals, or time periods.

More shrines in Gifu