Located in the Tottori Prefectural city of Yoshida, Big Age Shrine is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, dedicated to the deity of longevity and age reversal, known as the 'Tsukiyomi no Kami' or 'Tsuki-yomi no Okami'. The shrine is famous for its impressive vermilion torii gate, which serves as a symbol of the connection between heaven and earth. Founded in 718 AD by the Imperial Court, Big Age Shrine has been a revered site for centuries, offering visitors a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural heritage.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukiyomi no Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukiyomi no Kami
- Coordinates
- 34.4568242, 132.4947899
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try to arrive at the shrine during the 'Kigo-e' festival, which takes place on September 9th, and enjoy traditional food stalls offering local specialties such as 'natsu-yaki' (grilled summer skewers) and 'tsukiyomi-mochi' (longevity rice cake).
Cultural notes
Big Age Shrine has a unique architectural style known as the 'Hōryū-ji-zashi' style, which reflects its historical ties to the famous Hōryū-ji temple in Nara. The shrine is also associated with the mythological god of longevity and age reversal, Tsukiyomi, who is often depicted with a crescent moon on his head.
Historical note
Founded in 718 AD by the Imperial Court