Shinmei-sha is a type of Shinto shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon. These shrines are found throughout Japan and serve as local branches of the Grand Shrine of Ise, maintaining the worship of the imperial ancestral deity in communities across the country.
- Denomination
- Shinmei
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Coordinates
- 35.1336064, 136.8360153
Visitor tip
Look for the characteristic simple wooden architecture and clean lines typical of Shinmei shrine design.
Cultural notes
Shinmei shrines are characterized by their connection to Ise Grand Shrine and often feature simple, elegant architecture reflecting the pure Shinto aesthetic. The name 'Shinmei' literally means 'divine brightness,' referring to the radiant nature of Amaterasu.