Located in the city of Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, 住吉神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's name,住吉, translates to 'sun deity,' reflecting its focus on the sun and its cultural significance. The shrine complex includes several buildings, including the main hall, the honden, which dates back to the 17th century.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Sun Goddess (Amaterasu)
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 34.232395, 132.5952388
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's significance, visitors should arrive during sunrise or sunset to witness the reflection of the main hall on the nearby sea.
Cultural notes
As a major Shinto shrine, 住吉神社 is associated with the mythology of the sun goddess Amaterasu. According to legend, the shrine played a role in the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate and continues to be an important cultural and historical site in Shimane Prefecture.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1604 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan's most influential shoguns.