O-o-miya Shrine, located in the Kōhoku Ward of Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest shrines, with a history dating back to the 7th century. Dedicated to the Amaterasu Ōmikami, the Shinto sun goddess, it was originally built as a family shrine for the Minamoto clan. Over time, it has been rebuilt and expanded several times, with notable changes during the Edo period.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Ōmikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu Ōmikami, Inari Ōkamimi
- Coordinates
- 35.3258074, 139.5420167
Visitor tip
Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, including the famous 'Fūjin' teahouse, which is said to have been built by a famous samurai tea master. Be sure to bring a small gift of sake and incense to leave at the shrine.
Cultural notes
O-o-miya Shrine is closely associated with the legend of Kiyomizu Daibutsu, a famous statue of the Buddha on Mount Kiyomizu in Kyoto. According to myth, the Minamoto clan's leader, Yoritomo, was granted permission by Amaterasu Ōmikami to build his capital at Kamakura, which led to the construction of this shrine.
Historical note
Founded in the early Heian period (7th century)