Hōnan Shinmyoja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and other deities associated with the sea and fertility. Located in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, the shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. As one of the most important shrines in the Tohoku region, Hōnan Shinmyoja attracts thousands of visitors each year.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Ōmikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Ōkuninushi, Ōtori-hime
- Coordinates
- 38.2030251, 140.8467762
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight filters through the vermilion torii gates and illuminates the surrounding gardens.
Cultural notes
Hōnan Shinmyoja is closely associated with the mythology of the Taira clan, a powerful samurai family from the Heian period. The shrine's main hall, the honden, features a unique design known as 'tachikai,' which allows visitors to view the deity's image while seated on either side of the door.
Historical note
The shrine was originally established in 710 CE by the legendary Saint Ninshō as a Buddhist temple, but was later converted to Shintoism in the 10th century.