Located in the city of Morioka, Iwate Prefecture, Utsunomiya Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Ōi no Amaterasu Ōmikami, but primarily enshrined to Susuwatari, and also known as Utsunomiya Shrine or Utsuna-san. The shrine's history dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE) making it one of the oldest shrines in Iwate Prefecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Susuwatari
- Coordinates
- 39.3286291, 141.5314512
Visitor tip
To avoid crowds, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the evening.
Cultural notes
Susuwatari is a kami often invoked for protection against pests and vermin. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Iwate Prefecture styles, with a distinctive red-painted torii gate and a large storage building for grains and rice.
Historical note
The shrine was initially built during the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE), but its current structure dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868 CE).