厳島神社, located on the northernmost tip of Honshu Island in Aomori Prefecture, is one of Japan's most northerly Shinto shrines. The shrine is dedicated to the kami Amaterasu-Ōmikami, the Shinto sun goddess, as well as to the kami of the sea and fertility, Ryujin and Ukaeguchi. Visitors can explore the shrine's unique architecture, which features a distinctive hirajoshi-style torii gate and a wooden hall dedicated to the shrine's patron deity. The shrine is also famous for its annual 'Amaterasu Shrine Festival', which takes place in August and features traditional dances, music, and food stalls.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu-Ōmikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Ryujin, Ukaeguchi
- Coordinates
- 40.4951486, 141.6321802
Visitor tip
Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as grilled seafood and sake, at one of the food stalls during the festival.
Cultural notes
The shrine is believed to be connected to the mythology of the storm god Susanoo, who was said to have created the Japanese islands and brought light to humanity through his battles with the sea goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's location on a peninsula overlooking the Sea of Japan makes it a fitting place for these mythological themes.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1869 as a result of Emperor Meiji's visit to the site, where he prayed for the prosperity of his mother, Empress Shoken.