Located in the town of Narai, Nagano Prefecture, Okushie no Miyajima Shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Shinto sun goddess and ancestral deity of the Imperial Family. The shrine is believed to have been founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan. Its architecture reflects the traditional style of a Japanese imperial shrine, with a main hall dedicated to Amaterasu and several smaller shrines enshrined to various kami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu Omikami, Shinmei no Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.9062836, 137.9973595
Visitor tip
Visitors can participate in the annual Autumn Leaves Festival (Koyo Matsuri) held on October 31st, where they can admire the shrine's autumn foliage and enjoy traditional performances and food stalls.
Cultural notes
The shrine is also notable for its unique architectural feature of a shrine 'sacred bridge' (hisashige), which serves as a symbolic connection between the mortal world and the divine realm. This design element is characteristic of many Shinto shrines, reflecting the importance of purification rituals in Japanese spiritual practices.
Historical note
The shrine was originally part of the imperial retinue, serving as a ceremonial space for the emperor's rituals and ceremonies.