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馬頭観音

Niigata

Located in the city of Yuzawa, Maeda Jishu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Enma Daiou, the Buddha of Hell. The shrine's name translates to 'Enma Buddha of Hell with a Boar's Head'. According to local legend, Enma Daiou appeared as a boar in a dream and guided a samurai to a good fortune, leading to its enshrinement.

Religion
shinto
Enshrined kami
Enma Daiou
Kami enshrined
Enma Daiou
Coordinates
37.5077818, 139.8282697

Visitor tip

To pray for good luck, visitors should toss coins into the shrine's designated coin box and tie a small paper wish or prayer on the wooden beam above it.

Cultural notes

This shrine is famous for its unique architectural feature, the 'boar's head' – a stone carving of Enma Daiou in the form of a boar. The shrine also hosts an annual festival, where participants dress up as boars and parade through the streets.

Historical note

Founded in the Edo period (1603-1868)

More shrines in Niigata