Autumn Leaves Shrine, located in Yuzawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of the autumn season. The shrine's main deity is Tsukiyomi, the moon god, and is believed to have been established in the Edo period (1603-1868). Visitors can admire the shrine's beautiful autumn foliage, which attracts many locals and tourists alike. The shrine's architecture is typical of a Japanese Shinto shrine, with a haiden main hall and a honden inner shrine. The shrine also offers traditional Shinto ceremonies and festivals, including the Autumn Leaves Festival.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukiyomi
- Kami enshrined
- Autumn Leaf Kami, Moon God
- Coordinates
- 38.9186302, 139.8286441
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine's autumn leaves festival, which takes place in late November and features a traditional dance performance by local villagers.
Cultural notes
Tsukiyomi is often invoked for his power over the moon and its cycles. The shrine's autumn foliage is believed to be a manifestation of Tsukiyomi's influence on the natural world. Locals perform rituals at the shrine during the autumn leaves festival to express gratitude for the season's bounty.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1869 after being damaged during the Boshin War.