Tsuchi-kami Bear Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Sagamigahara region of Japan, in the prefecture of Saitama. The shrine's name means 'Bear Mountain Shrine' and is believed to be dedicated to the bear as a symbol of strength and protection.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsuchi-kami
- Kami enshrined
- Tsuchi-kami
- Coordinates
- 35.8370381, 139.6615303
Visitor tip
To show respect for the shrine's sacred bear, please refrain from taking pictures with stuffed animals or plushies resembling the bear deity.
Cultural notes
The shrine is associated with the Tsuchi-kami Bear kami, a powerful enshrined deity in Japanese mythology. The shrine also celebrates the annual Tsuchi-kami Bear Festival (, Tsuchi-kami, Kuma Matsuri) in May to honor its patron deity.
Historical note
The shrine was built in 1874 during the Meiji period, when many shrines were rebuilt or established to honor the deities of the old Shinto pantheon.