Ando Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the Ando River and its surrounding area. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional style of the Heian period, with a main hall featuring a curved roof and wooden columns. The shrine grounds are said to be inhabited by several regional deities, including the tsukiyomi-no-kami (moon deity) and the sake no kami (deity of sake). Visitors can experience the tranquility of the shrine's gardens and observe the annual Spring Festival, which celebrates the arrival of spring with traditional dances and food offerings.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukiyomi-no-kami
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukiyomi-no-kami, Sake no kami
- Coordinates
- 38.9299129, 139.8419723
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's serene atmosphere, arrive early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not direct.
Cultural notes
According to local legend, the tsukiyomi-no-kami was said to have been summoned by a local fisherman who built his home near the Ando River. As a result, the shrine has become an important center for fishing and agriculture in the region.
Historical note
The shrine was originally founded in the Kamakura period, but its current buildings date back to the Edo period.