Located in the town of Iya, Ehime Prefecture, Katsura Shrine is dedicated to the Shinto god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, also known as the Storm God. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it is said to have been built in the Heian period (794-1185 CE). The shrine complex features a beautiful garden and traditional architecture, including a five-story pagoda and several roofs topped with shachihoko tiles.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 33.9734949, 132.7660383
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the beauty of Katsura Shrine's garden, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight filters through the trees and highlights the intricate stone pathways.
Cultural notes
In Ehime Prefecture, Susanoo-no-Mikoto is also revered as a kami for hunting and fishing. The shrine's name, 鹿島神社 (Katsura Shrine), translates to 'deer island shrine' or 'island of deer', which may refer to the region's abundant deer population.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in its current form during the Edo period (1603-1867 CE).