Located in the heart of Kobe, New Town Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and celestial deities. The shrine's design reflects traditional Japanese architecture, with a vermilion torii gate and a rectangular wooden main hall. Visitors can explore the serene gardens, which feature a large stone lantern and a tranquil pond. The shrine is particularly famous for its unique 'floating bridge' over the river that runs through its grounds.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Coordinates
- 34.953077, 134.754559
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try to arrive at the shrine early in the morning when the sun is rising over the sea, casting a golden glow on the vermilion torii gate.
Cultural notes
The shrine hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival, where visitors can enjoy traditional food stalls and watch the 'Tengu no Hi' festival performances. On New Year's Eve, devotees gather to pray for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Historical note
New Town Shrine was built in 1899 during the Meiji period, marking Kobe's rapid modernization.