Located in the city of Kodaira, Saitama Prefecture, Kokubunji Water Shrine is a historic Shinto site dedicated to Tsukiyomi no Okami and Fukutsu no Kami. The shrine was originally built as a torii gate in the late Heian period (around 1185) before being reconstructed into its current wooden hall form during the Edo period (1633-1641). This unique structure, featuring a vermilion torii with five tiers of columns and a roof covered by more than 400 paper umbrellas, is one of Japan's most iconic landmarks. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds to see traditional Shinto architecture and shrines dedicated to Tsukiyomi no Okami, Fukutsu no Kami, and other regional kami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukiyomi no Okami, Fukutsu no Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukiyomi no Okami, Fukutsu no Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.8724822, 139.5349322
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, be sure to visit at sunset when the vermilion torii is most striking.
Cultural notes
As a shrine associated with Tsukiyomi no Okami, the god of the moon and the ocean, visitors may notice similarities between this shrine's architecture and traditional Japanese maritime festivals. The shrine also hosts an annual autumn festival (, Tsukimi), honoring the harvest season and the full moon.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in its current form during the Edo period, which saw significant reconstruction efforts throughout Japan's cities.