Located in the town of Nagaizumi, Echizen Province, Hie Shrine is dedicated to Okuninushi Ōkami-hikoboshi no Kami, a Shinto deity believed to be responsible for guiding souls to their afterlife. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it has played an important role in the region's spiritual and cultural heritage.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ōkami-hikoboshi no Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Ōkami-hikoboshi no Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.0084325, 135.7173886
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's unique charm, visit during the Setsubun festival in February or March when visitors throw soybeans at the shrine to ward off evil spirits.
Cultural notes
Hie Shrine is notable for its beautiful architecture and stunning gardens. According to legend, the shrine was built on a site where the god of rice, Okuninushi Ōkami-hikoboshi no Kami, once walked.
Historical note
Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) as a temple dedicated to Buddhist deities, it was later converted into a Shinto shrine during the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE).