Located in the city of Kesennuma, Aikawa-ku, Miyagi Prefecture, the Daigokuten-sha Shrine is dedicated to the six heavenly deities (Daigokuten) from Chinese Buddhism who were enshrined in Japan during the Heian period. The shrine is a significant example of Heian-style architecture and houses a large wooden vermillion gate (sugi), as well as several large temple buildings. In 2011, the shrine was severely damaged by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, but has since undergone extensive restoration work to restore its original beauty.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Daikokuten (Six Heavenly Deities)
- Kami enshrined
- Daikokuten
- Coordinates
- 38.4460764, 141.1119857
Visitor tip
Visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese sweets at the on-site tea house, as well as view the shrine's beautiful garden and take a stroll along the surrounding forest paths.
Cultural notes
As one of the few remaining temples from the Heian period in Japan, Daigokuten-sha Shrine is an important cultural and historical site. The shrine is also closely associated with the Buddhist tradition of worshiping the six heavenly deities, who are believed to watch over the land and protect its inhabitants.
Historical note
Founded in the 9th century during the Heian period