Located in the city of Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tawaragasa Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of longevity and medicine, known as Tawara no Santa. The shrine's name literally translates to 'a fox's tail temple' due to the mythical fox spirit Tawara no Ogoro, which is said to have been transformed into a fox by the god Tawara no Santa. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, including a five-story pagoda built in 1905.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tawara no Santa
- Kami enshrined
- Tawara no Santa, Tawara no Ogoro
- Coordinates
- 35.8281293, 140.4830746
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit during cherry blossom season (March-April) when the gardens are in full bloom.
Cultural notes
Tawaragasa Shrine is closely tied to the mythology of Tawara no Ogoro and its significance as a fox spirit. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in July called 'Gakuen Matsuri,' which celebrates the founding of the shrine's school, Tsukuba Gakuen.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1959 after being damaged during World War II.