Located in the heart of Utsunomiya City, Tsukasa Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Tsukasa no Okami, who is believed to be the spirit of the pine tree. The shrine is known for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture, including the impressive main hall and the historic shrine's gate. Visitors can also explore the surrounding city's old quarter, which features a number of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukasa no Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukasa no Okami
- Coordinates
- 36.4132789, 139.7861983
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the beauty of the shrine's garden, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sunlight filters through the pine trees.
Cultural notes
Tsukasa Shrine is a popular destination for the annual Utsunomiya Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place in late March. The shrine is also famous for its unique 'tsukidashi' lanterns, which are decorated with pine leaves and hung from the temple's rafters.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1622 during the Edo period, during the reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu.