Located in the town of Iwase, Ibaraki Prefecture, Gochi no Sato Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deities of agriculture and the harvest season. The shrine's name roughly translates to 'The Old Valley Snow Creek Shrine', reflecting its association with the snowy landscape of Ibaraki's valley region.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Toshisakibōshi, Goyūjin
- Kami enshrined
- Toshisakibōshi, Goyūjin
- Coordinates
- 35.8051192, 139.7789117
Visitor tip
To honor the kami, visitors should make an offering of sake or rice at the front gate before proceeding to the main hall.
Cultural notes
This shrine is associated with the mythology of the region's founding and the spirits that inhabit the valley. During the winter months, locals hold a festival known as Yuki Matsuri (Snow Festival) in honor of the shrine's deity.
Historical note
The shrine's origins date back to the Edo period, specifically during the reign of Tokugawa Iemitsu (1680-1716).