Located in the city of Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, Mount Mountain Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of Mount Chokai, one of Japan's most active volcanoes. The shrine is nestled at the foot of the mountain and serves as a sacred site for locals seeking protection from natural disasters.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Mount Chokai-no-Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Mount Chokai-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 37.9939144, 140.6197114
Visitor tip
For visitors planning to hike Mount Chokai, consider visiting the shrine before embarking on your ascent to receive a blessing from the kami.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its unique 'sōshi' architecture, which features a distinctive curved roof that resembles a volcano. The shrine's festivals, such as the 'Chokai Matsuri,' are said to have been influenced by the mountain's volcanic activity.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 718 CE by Emperor Shomu, who considered Mount Chokai to be his ancestral homeland.