中沢の弁天様 Shrine is a small Shinto temple located in the rural area of Ibaraki Prefecture, dedicated to the kami Enma O-no-mikoto, the god of hell and the ruler of the underworld. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a simple and serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the surrounding forests and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Enma O-no-mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Enma O-no-mikoto
- Coordinates
- 35.7223832, 140.3086144
Visitor tip
To get the most out of your visit, try visiting during the Obon Festival in August when lanterns are lit throughout the forest to guide spirits back to their families.
Cultural notes
The shrine's name refers to its proximity to a large cypress tree (中沢), which is said to have been used as a ceremonial object. The shrine is also associated with the legend of the '40,000 hellish gates' that lead to the underworld.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in the Edo period (1603-1868), during which time it served as a stop on the old highway connecting Tokyo to the eastern provinces.