Located in the town of Ikebukuro, Ibaraki Prefecture, 御獄神社 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of war and justice, Ō-no-Mitsukuni. The shrine's architecture reflects the Edo period style, with a distinctive thatched roof and wooden torii gate. Ō-no-Mitsukuni is also known as Takamagahara in Japanese mythology, associated with the gods' palace in the heavenly plain.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ō-no-Mitsukuni
- Kami enshrined
- Ō-no-Mitsukuni
- Coordinates
- 35.7363979, 139.7063008
Visitor tip
To appreciate the shrine's historic charm, visitors are advised to approach the main hall at dawn or dusk when the natural light casts a warm glow on the wooden structures.
Cultural notes
Ō-no-Mitsukuni is also connected to the myth of the creation of Japan's imperial family. In Japanese mythology, Ō-no-Mitsukuni was said to have created the first emperor and established the imperial line.
Historical note
The shrine was built during the Edo period (1603-1867), likely in the late 17th or early 18th century, to commemorate Ō-no-Mitsukuni's role as a god of war and justice.