諏訪神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Shibuya, Gunma Prefecture. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it is said to have been established in 718 CE during the Nara period. The shrine enshrines three deities: Kamihime (the goddess of fertility and childbirth), Taka-no-Maishi (the god of rice and prosperity), and Tsukai-kami (the god of land and agriculture). Visitors can explore the shrine's historic buildings, including the main hall and the museum, which houses a collection of artifacts related to the shrine's history. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional festivals, such as the annual summer festival.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Kamihime, Taka-no-Maishi, Tsukai-kami
- Kami enshrined
- Kamihime, Taka-no-Maishi, Tsukai-kami
- Coordinates
- 36.2586871, 138.8913676
Visitor tip
To avoid crowds, plan your visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon, and try to reach the shrine's gardens before sunset for a serene experience.
Cultural notes
As a shrine dedicated to fertility and agriculture,諏訪神社 has strong connections to Shinto mythology. The goddess Kamihime is often depicted as a maternal figure, emphasizing the importance of women in Japanese society. The shrine's festivals, such as the summer festival, also highlight the significance of rice and agriculture in Japanese culture.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1693 CE during the Edo period.