Located in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, Spa-no-mori Kagura Shrine is a Shinto shrine that specializes in the worship of Ryuguin, a kami believed to be associated with the sea and fishing. The shrine's architecture reflects its regional significance as a place where fishermen would come to pray for good fortune and safe passage. Visitors can still see the remains of a ancient temple complex beneath the current shrine buildings.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ryuguin
- Kami enshrined
- Ryuguin
- Coordinates
- 36.5530794, 136.6485771
Visitor tip
To fully experience the shrine's connection to the sea, visit during low tide to see the remains of ancient stone walls and foundations that are exposed at certain times of the year.
Cultural notes
Spa-no-mori Kagura Shrine is known for its annual Oguri Matsuri festival in July, where participants dress up as Ryuguin and other kami, and reenact a traditional fishing ritual. The shrine's architecture also incorporates elements of regional Ainu mythology.
Historical note
Founded in 1568, during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, by the daimyo (feudal lord) Takeda Katsuyori's mother, as a place to pray for peace and prosperity.