Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Stone Temple Shrine is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the kami of the stone temple, it is believed to have been built during the Jomon period (approximately 14,000-300 BCE), making it over 7,500 years old. The shrine's name 'Kamakura no Mimi' translates to 'the stone temple at Kamakura,' despite its location in Ibaraki Prefecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 36.0203491, 139.9920144
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's ancient architecture, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the evening when the sunlight casts unique shadows on the stone structures.
Cultural notes
As a site of great historical significance, Stone Temple Shrine is associated with the mythology of Japanese Shintoism. According to legend, the shrine was built by the goddess Inari Okami, who is revered for her role in agriculture and fertility. Visitors can participate in traditional ceremonies and receive blessings from the shrine's powerful kami.
Historical note
Built during the Jomon period, around 14,000-300 BCE