Bear Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of bears, located in Nasu City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The shrine is famous for its association with the legend of Ō no Yasumaro, who was said to have been transformed into a bear by the gods. The shrine has three main shrines dedicated to different aspects of the bear's nature: the Bear God Shrine (Kojin-jinja), the Bear Spirit Shrine (Tanuki-jinja), and the Bear Medicine Shrine (Usagi-jinja).
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ō no Yasumaro
- Kami enshrined
- Bear God, Bear Spirit, Bear Medicine
- Coordinates
- 35.8716536, 140.5912198
Visitor tip
Visit during bear viewing season (October-November) to see the shrine's bears, including the famous giant bear statue.
Cultural notes
The shrine is known for its unique architectural style, featuring a blend of traditional and modern elements. It also hosts an annual Bear Festival in October, which includes traditional dances and performances.
Historical note
Founded in the Heian period (794-1185 CE) during the reign of Emperor Ichijō.