Takeru Shrine, located in Taki City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto deity Takemikazuchi, a kami associated with thunder and lightning. The shrine's architecture is typical of Kofuku-ryō style shrines from the Heian period (794-1185 CE). During the New Year festival, the shrine offers a traditional purification ritual using water from the nearby Sai River. Visitors can experience this ancient tradition by participating in the ritual on January 1st.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Takemikazuchi, Shinshō-Ō no Ōkamisan, Fukutakemikazuchi
- Coordinates
- 34.3450129, 132.9108936
Visitor tip
For a more authentic experience, arrive early in the morning to witness the ritual purification ceremony, where participants use water from the Sai River to wash away impurities.
Cultural notes
Takemikazuchi is often depicted as a powerful storm god, and his association with lightning makes him a significant figure in local folklore. The shrine's design incorporates elements of natural disaster protection, reflecting its historical significance as a site for storm worship.
Historical note
The shrine was originally established during the Nara period (710-794 CE), but its current structure dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868 CE).