A Shinto shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture dedicated to Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, the legendary prince known for his military campaigns and tragic love story with Princess Oto Tachibana-hime.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Yamato Takeru no Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Yamato Takeru no Mikoto
- Founding
- Ancient period
- Coordinates
- 35.4223516, 139.6675634
Visitor tip
Look for commemorative plaques or monuments that tell the story of Yamato Takeru and Princess Oto Tachibana-hime's tragic romance.
Cultural notes
The name 'Azuma' originates from Yamato Takeru's mournful cry for his lost wife, which became the ancient name for the eastern regions of Japan, making this shrine part of a larger cultural narrative about love, sacrifice, and the expansion of imperial authority.
Historical note
The shrine is associated with the legend of Prince Yamato Takeru, who named the eastern lands 'Azuma' (meaning 'my dear wife') after his beloved Princess Oto Tachibana-hime sacrificed herself to calm the sea god during their journey to suppress rebellions in the eastern provinces.