The Katori Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture is dedicated to the Buddhist deity, Fudo Myo'o, who is believed to reside in a sacred cave on the mountain. The shrine's name, '身代地蔵菩薩' roughly translates to 'Body Treasure Buddha', reflecting its association with this revered figure. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and see the remains of the cave where Fudo Myo'o is said to have resided.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Fudo Myo'o
- Kami enshrined
- Fudo Myo'o
- Coordinates
- 35.7499293, 139.7368723
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try a traditional tea ceremony at the shrine's teahouse, where you can learn about its history and significance.
Cultural notes
The Katori Shrine is closely tied to the mythology surrounding Fudo Myo'o, who is often depicted as a powerful guardian deity. During the spring festival, called 'Kotohira Matsuri', visitors are offered a special tea made from local herbs, believed to have healing properties.
Historical note
The Katori Shrine has been in operation since the Heian period, making it one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines.