Eihei-ji temple, also known as Eihei-in, is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture. The main deity enshrined is Okuninushi, the kami of fertility and prosperity. In addition to Okuninushi, other deities such as Hachiman, Raijin, and Benzaiten are also enshrined at the shrine.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Okuninushi
- Kami enshrined
- Okuninushi, Hachiman, Raijin, Benzaiten
- Coordinates
- 36.203706, 139.5848391
Visitor tip
For a unique experience, visit the shrine during the annual Sai no Kusuri (Fifth-Folded Wheat) ritual festival in late April, where participants wear traditional clothing and perform a sake-sharing ceremony to ensure good luck.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its beautiful architecture, which features a main hall with a distinctive curved roof. The temple's garden also features a unique 'rice-sack' garden, created from ancient storage baskets used in the region. The temple is also said to be associated with the mythological story of Izanagi and Izanami.
Historical note
The current shrine was built in 1817 during the Edo period, but it is said that the temple has been present on this site since the Heian period.