Located in Yamato-shi, Kanagawa Prefecture,諏訪神社 is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the god of fertility and prosperity, Mikoto Ueno. Founded in 736 CE during the Nara period, the shrine has been a major site for the worship of the kami of the sea, particularly the goddess of the ocean, Kasumi-no-mori. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of the shrine's beautiful gardens and enjoy traditional festivals such as the summer festival (Natsu Matsuri) which honors the god of fertility.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Mikoto Ueno
- Kami enshrined
- Kasumi-no-mori, Other kami
- Coordinates
- 35.4000658, 139.3528836
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visitors are advised to wear traditional Japanese clothing and participate in the summer festival's traditional dances and rituals.
Cultural notes
Kasumi-no-mori, the goddess of the ocean, is also revered at many other shrines throughout Japan. The shrine's unique architectural style, featuring a distinctive torii gate, reflects its historical significance as a major site for the worship of sea deities. In addition to the summer festival, the shrine hosts the 'Tanabata' festival in July, which celebrates the meeting of two star-crossed lovers.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt after a fire in 1923 CE during the Taisho period.