Royal Villa Shrine in Tokushima Prefecture, dedicated to the god of agriculture and prosperity, Ryujin, and the Shinto goddess of fertility, Benzaiten. The shrine is located near the Kotohira River and features a unique blend of Nara-period architecture with later Kamakura-style additions.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Ryujin, Benzaiten
- Coordinates
- 34.2371214, 133.8130394
Visitor tip
Visit during the Kotohira Matsuri festival to see traditional Japanese performances and try local specialties such as kakinoha-zushi (dried persimmon leaf sushi) and sake.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its wooden statue of Benzaiten, which is said to have been carved from a single piece of wood. The shrine's architecture reflects its history as a rural village shrine, with many Nara-period elements preserved.
Historical note
Founded in 712 CE during the Asuka period as a small village shrine, it was rebuilt in 1869 CE after a devastating earthquake.