Located in the heart of Yamagata, the Tsutsui Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto kami known as Tsutsui-no-okami, a powerful and malevolent spirit often associated with disease and illness. The shrine's architecture reflects its regional roots, featuring a traditional Japanese-style building with a tiled roof and sliding doors. Visitors can experience the unique blend of modern and ancient traditions at this shrine, which also serves as a museum for the local history and mythology.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsutsui-no-okami
- Kami enshrined
- Tsutsui-no-okami
- Coordinates
- 38.0549782, 140.1539644
Visitor tip
To avoid any potential discomfort during your visit, be sure to pay respects at the shrine's main hall and take a few moments to purify your hands before proceeding to the museum exhibitions.
Cultural notes
The Tsutsui Shrine is also famous for its festival called 'Tsutsui Matsuri', which takes place in September and features traditional dances, music, and performances. The shrine is believed to be the origin of the 'tsutsu' insect-hunting tradition, where locals hunt for the Asian giant hornet to purify their homes.
Historical note
The Tsutsui Shrine was originally built in 1868 by the Yamagata Domain, and has since undergone several renovations and expansions.