Kobutsu Jinsha, the Pharmacy God Shrine, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of pharmacy and medicine in Miyagi Prefecture. Located near the city of Sendai, the shrine is famous for its unique architecture and historical significance as a site where the first pharmacist was trained in Japan. The shrine's name "Kobutsu Jinsha" literally means 'pharmacy god shrine' and reflects the deity's role in healing and medicine.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Unagi no Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Unagi no Kami
- Coordinates
- 38.7380596, 140.6995297
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing a pamphlet with information about the shrine's medicinal plants and herbs on display. This will help you appreciate the shrine's significance as a center for traditional medicine.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's oldest pharmacists' training centers, Kobutsu Jinsha is deeply connected to Shinto mythology, particularly the legend of Unagi-no-Mori, where the god of pharmacy was said to have appeared. The shrine also holds an annual festival in honor of its deity, featuring traditional medicine demonstrations and herbal tea ceremonies.
Historical note
The shrine was established in 1676, marking the beginning of Japanese pharmacy history.