The Bird's Take Grand Shrine, dedicated to the god of storms and fertility, is located in the city of Bird's Take in Hyogo Prefecture, not Totorogawa Prefecture or Totoro City which seems to be incorrect as there are no records. The shrine was originally founded in 730 AD during the Nara period but rebuilt many times after that due to natural disasters. It is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Uzume, Amabie
- Coordinates
- 35.5050156, 134.2319909
Visitor tip
Visitors should dress modestly before entering the shrine's main hall and remove their shoes as is customary in Shinto shrines. The shrine's grounds are home to a beautiful garden, including a large pine tree said to be over 200 years old.
Cultural notes
The Bird's Take Grand Shrine is closely associated with the god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who was said to have created the sun and moon. During the Obon festival, which honors the spirits of one's ancestors, shrine visitors can participate in a traditional dance called the ' Bon Odori'. The shrine also hosts an annual autumn festival featuring local food stalls and games.
Historical note
The shrine has been rebuilt over nine times since its founding, with significant destruction occurring during the Kamakura period and the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.