佐間天神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and is often referred to as the 'Kusatsu Shrine'. The primary deity enshrined at the shrine is Tamagawa Hachiman, a kami associated with the god of war and patron deity of the region's agriculture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tamagawa Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Tamagawa Hachiman, Nekoshin-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 36.1343484, 139.4620013
Visitor tip
For a unique souvenir from Kusatsu, try your hand at traditional onsen ceramic pottery-making at one of the local craft shops near the shrine.
Cultural notes
In autumn, visitors can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and participate in the Hachiman Matsuri festival, which honors the patron deity with offerings and prayers for a bountiful harvest. The shrine is also notable for its unique architectural style, featuring traditional Japanese-style buildings with a mix of tiled roofs and wooden structures.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1645 during the Edo period by Tokugawa Iemasa, one of the three regent lords who ruled Japan during this time.