Otori Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, the legendary prince known for his military prowess and eastern campaigns. The shrine is part of the Otori shrine network found throughout the Kanto region, particularly associated with good fortune in business and protection.
- Denomination
- Otori
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Yamato Takeru no Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Yamato Takeru no Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 35.2782156, 139.6714161
Visitor tip
Many Otori shrines hold special festivals called 'Tori no Ichi' in November, featuring lucky bamboo rake decorations called kumade.
Cultural notes
Yamato Takeru no Mikoto is revered as a cultural hero who helped establish imperial authority in eastern Japan. The name 'Otori' (Great Bird) is associated with legends of the prince's spirit transforming into a white bird after his death.
Historical note
Otori shrines trace their origins to the worship of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, the semi-legendary prince who according to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki conducted military campaigns in eastern Japan during the 1st-2nd centuries. Local traditions often connect the shrine's founding to the prince's travels through the region, though specific historical documentation varies by location.