The Medicine God Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of medicine, Okuninushi. This shrine is one of the oldest in Japan and is believed to have been founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE). It is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Okuninushi
- Kami enshrined
- Okuninushi
- Coordinates
- 38.9581928, 139.8781948
Visitor tip
To appreciate the shrine's beauty, visitors can take a stroll through the garden's Japanese-style tea house, where they can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies.
Cultural notes
Okuninushi is the Shinto god of medicine and health. The shrine celebrates the New Year (Oshogatsu) with a ritual to purify the body and mind, as well as a festival in July to honor Okuninushi's power over diseases. The shrine's traditional architecture features a unique curved roof design inspired by the mythological bird, Manaka no Komachi.
Historical note
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