Located in the city of Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture,祖母井神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the well. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'Mother Well Shrine.' Visitors can explore the serene grounds and take a dip into the sacred well, believed to possess purifying properties.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Moriyoshi-hime
- Kami enshrined
- Mother Well, Well Goddess
- Coordinates
- 36.5535729, 140.0613286
Visitor tip
To maximize your visit, consider arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere.
Cultural notes
This shrine is associated with the mythology of the well goddess, which is often depicted in Japanese folklore as a powerful and nurturing figure. Visitors can experience the shrine's unique charm during the annual Well Goddess Festival (, Mizu no Okami Matsuri) held in July.
Historical note
The shrine was founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), making it one of the oldest shrines in the Tochigi Prefecture.