One Grain Thousand Times Aratama Shrine, located in Chiba Prefecture, is dedicated to Aratama Shrine's primary deity, Kami Aratamatsuhiko. The shrine is famous for a story about the kami who saved the village from a devastating famine by multiplying one grain of rice into a thousand grains. The shrine's architecture reflects its Edo period origins with a unique vermilion torii gate and a traditional Japanese garden.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Aratamatsuhiko
- Kami enshrined
- Aratamatsuhiko, Rice Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.6186897, 139.7396167
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's unique charm, visit at dawn when the vermilion torii gate is still adorned with morning dew.
Cultural notes
The shrine celebrates the annual Aratamatsuhiko no Hi festival in May, which features a traditional sake service to the kami and offerings of rice and sake to ensure bountiful harvests. The shrine's garden also houses several ancient trees believed to be over 200 years old, adding to its cultural significance.
Historical note
Founded in the 17th century during the Edo period, One Grain Thousand Times Aratama Shrine was originally a small temple dedicated to the kami of rice and prosperity.