Located in the heart of Gifu City, Tenman Shrine is a revered Shinto site that honors the kami, Ryujin, and his son, Susanoo-no-Mikoto. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with traditional Japanese-style buildings and gardens. Visitors can explore the shrine's historic areas, including the main hall, the Honden, and the surrounding parks.
- Denomination
- tenman-jinja
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ryujin
- Kami enshrined
- Ryujin, Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 35.4862623, 136.8218463
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening to experience the shrine at its serene best.
Cultural notes
Tenman Shrine is known for its unique festival, the Tenno Festival (Jishu Matsuri), which honors the divine right of the emperor and features traditional music, dance, and theater performances. The shrine's architecture also reflects its connections to Ryujin, the dragon god, with many buildings designed to resemble sea serpents.
Historical note
Founded in 940 CE by Emperor Ichijō, Tenman Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most prominent Shinto shrines.