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Goryō Shrine

御霊神社

Goryō-jinja

Goryō shrines are dedicated to pacifying the vengeful spirits (goryō) of individuals who died under tragic or unjust circumstances. These shrines serve to transform potentially harmful spirits into protective deities through proper veneration and ritual appeasement.

Denomination
Goryō
Religion
shinto
Enshrined kami
Vengeful spirits of the wrongfully dead
Kami enshrined
Vengeful spirits of the wrongfully dead
Coordinates
34.995331, 137.0049138

Cultural notes

Goryō worship originated from the belief that those who died with strong resentments could become vengeful spirits causing natural disasters, plagues, or misfortune. By enshrining and properly honoring these spirits, they could be transformed into benevolent protectors of the community.