Miya High Mountain Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Mikazuchi, who is believed to reside at the top of Miya High Mountain in Okayama Prefecture. The shrine's history dates back to the early Heian period, and its architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style with its vermilion torii gate and black lacquered walls. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese sweets.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Mikazuchi
- Kami enshrined
- Mikazuchi
- Coordinates
- 34.7356567, 133.4070917
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not shining directly on the torii gate.
Cultural notes
Mikazuchi is the Shinto god of lightning and thunder. The shrine's annual festivals, such as the Higan Festival, coincide with the autumnal equinox, a time when the Japanese believe the veil between the mortal world and the spirit world is at its thinnest.
Historical note
The shrine was originally founded in 809 during the Nara period as a sacred site for the royal family.