The Dayo Shrine, located in Yamagata Prefecture, is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the god of the sea Susanoo no Mikoto. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a Shinto site dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with its main hall constructed using locally-sourced cedar wood.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Susanoo no Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 38.1340236, 140.2690519
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid harsh sunlight and take advantage of the soft, golden light.
Cultural notes
The Dayo Shrine is known for its unique 'tatara' roof style, which is typically reserved for Shinto shrines dedicated to Amaterasu. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in May, honoring Susanoo no Mikoto and the fertility of the land.
Historical note
The Dayo Shrine was originally built during the Heian period, and has been rebuilt several times due to earthquakes.