Located in the scenic town of Agematsu, Matsumo Jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Matsumo Okami, revered as the god of the forest, mountains, and the soul's journey after death. The shrine is situated near the Matsumo Pass, which connects the Chubu and Hokuriku regions, making it an important site for spiritual journeys.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 36.9795044, 138.6707075
Visitor tip
For a unique experience, visit during the Omisoka (Dec 31) festivities when the shrine remains open late to honor the spirits of the deceased.
Cultural notes
The shrine's architecture is influenced by the traditional Matsumo-style temple design. In the Edo period, the shrine was also associated with the ' Matsumo-gami' – a mythical creature said to have the body of an ox and the head of a deer – which symbolizes strength and fertility.