Big Palace Shrine, located in the city of Mobara, Ibaraki Prefecture, is dedicated to the deity Amaterasu Ōmikami and enshrines several other regional kami, including Fujin Raijin and Suijin. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a sacred space for imperial worship, with a long history dating back to the 7th century.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Ōmikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu Ōmikami, Fujin Raijin, Suijin
- Coordinates
- 35.7115775, 140.0266347
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's historical significance, visitors are advised to arrive early and watch the morning purification ritual, a traditional ceremony where priests cleanse the grounds with water from a sacred well.
Cultural notes
As an important Shinto site associated with imperial power, Big Palace Shrine is said to be connected to the mythology of Amaterasu Ōmikami, the Shinto sun goddess. During the New Year (Oshogatsu) festival, visitors can participate in traditional games and activities, such as the ' Tamagusa', a ritual ball toss.
Historical note
The Big Palace Shrine was originally built in 675 AD during the Asuka period, making it one of Japan's oldest shrines.