Located in the city of Ōtaki, Tochigi Prefecture, Okarashi Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the water god kami and the protector of local agriculture. The shrine's name, Okarashi, refers to the okarashi (dried persimmon) offered as a food source for the kami. Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets and drinks at the shrine's teahouse.
- Religion
- shinto
- Coordinates
- 36.4219622, 139.9884255
Visitor tip
To avoid getting wet, remove your shoes before entering the shrine's main hall and walk on the tatami mats. This is a traditional practice in Japanese Shinto shrines.
Cultural notes
Okarashi Shrine is famous for its okarashi sweets, which are said to have been created by the shrine's founders using an old family recipe. The shrine also hosts an annual Autumn Festival, where visitors can enjoy traditional food and drinks while watching a performance of traditional Japanese music.
Historical note
Founded in 1667 during the Edo period, Okarashi Shrine was built by Lord Date Masamune to honor his ancestral deity.