Located in the town of Katsuraga, Ibaraki Prefecture, 夫婦木神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the forest and fertility. The shrine's name, meaning 'husband and wife tree god shrine', reflects its association with the mythological couple Kasumiguma, who are believed to be the guardians of marriage and childbearing. The shrine's architecture is typical of rural Japanese shrines, with a traditional wooden torii gate and a large, rectangular hall dedicated to the forest kami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Kasumiguma
- Kami enshrined
- Kasumiguma
- Coordinates
- 35.7024492, 139.7039231
Visitor tip
To avoid getting lost on the shrine's paths, use the provided map at the main torii gate and take note of the prominent wooden signpost displaying the shrine's address.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's 'forest shrines', 夫婦木神社 is steeped in tradition. Visitors can experience a unique cultural connection by participating in a forest ritual, or 'matsuri', during the annual autumn festival, which celebrates the harvest season and honors the shrine's primary kami.
Historical note
Founded in 1604 during the Edo period, the shrine was originally dedicated to a local deity but later came to be associated with Kasumiguma.