Located in the town of Shiroishi, Ibaraki Prefecture, seven-light-tower shrine is a sacred site dedicated to the worship of Shinto deities. The shrine's name references its unique architectural feature: a tower with seven brightly lit lanterns that symbolize the seven virtues. Visitors can explore the main hall and admire the beautiful gardens, while also learning about the local folklore and mythology.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman, Sarabina no okami, Sasamori Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.9792022, 139.8514078
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's atmosphere, visit at dawn or dusk to witness the soft light of the lanterns, which adds an ethereal ambiance to the main hall and gardens.
Cultural notes
The shrine is associated with the mythological figure of the 'god of seven virtues', who is said to watch over the virtues of humility, modesty, generosity, filial piety, respect, benevolence, and morality. The shrine's festival, the Shiroishi Festival, takes place in July and features traditional dances and performances.
Historical note
The shrine was built in 1627 during the Edo period, during the reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu.