Located in the heart of Saitama, Ai-datsu Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the goddess of fertility and prosperity, Oinagi-okami. The shrine's design reflects its importance as a regional center for agricultural festivals. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, adorned with seasonal decorations, and participate in the annual Autumn Leaves Festival (Koyo Matsuri) or Summer Solstice Festival (Matsuri).
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Oinagi-okami
- Kami enshrined
- Oinagi-okami, Tsukuyomi-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 35.8795221, 139.3096462
Visitor tip
Be sure to visit the shrine's inner shrine dedicated to Oinagi-okami and make a wish at the 'Wishing Tree' (Kinroki), where visitors can write their wishes on ema tablets and tie them to the branches.
Cultural notes
Ai-datsu Shrine is closely associated with the legend of Oinagi-no-Okami, who helped a peasant couple conceive by offering them sake from her magical cauldron. The shrine's design also incorporates elements of Buddhist architecture, reflecting its historical role as a regional center for syncretic Shinto-Buddhist practices.
Historical note
Ai-datsu Shrine was first established during the Edo period, but its origins date back to the Nara era.