Located in the city of Hitachi, Oshio, in Ibaraki Prefecture, White Spindle Shrine (Shirakawa no kami) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Shirakami, the deity of white spindles, rice and fish. The shrine is known for its unique architectural style and historical significance.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Shirakami
- Kami enshrined
- Shirakami
- Coordinates
- 35.773566, 140.0575384
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's peaceful atmosphere, arrive early to catch the mist rising from the nearby Hitachi River.
Cultural notes
In Japanese mythology, Shirakami is a kami associated with fertility and prosperity. The shrine celebrates the annual 'Kodama Matsuri' festival in September, where participants dress up as Kodama, the mythical forest spirits, and engage in merrymaking.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1708 during the Edo period, with its current main hall built in 1841.