The Ōen Shrine in Chiba Prefecture is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the forest and the sea. Located near the coast, it is believed to have been founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its coastal location, with a wooden torii gate that stands out against the backdrop of the ocean.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Yamato-no-okami
- Kami enshrined
- Ryujin, Yamato-no-okami
- Coordinates
- 35.5630246, 139.7106371
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine at low tide to see the beach and the torii gate in their natural state, a rare sight due to coastal erosion.
Cultural notes
As a forest-to-sea shrine, Ōen Shrine is associated with the Shinto god of the sea, Ryujin, as well as the forest spirit, Yamato-no-okami. The shrine also hosts a New Year's festival (Shinobazu Matsuri) to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Historical note
The Ōen Shrine was rebuilt in 1722 after being destroyed by a tsunami.