The Fuyūjin-sha, also known as Sakurayama-ya, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the wind god Fuyūjin in Yamagata Prefecture. The shrine is believed to be founded in the 8th century during the Nara period, and its location on a hill overlooking the city of Yamagata provides a stunning view. The shrine's architecture features traditional Japanese wooden buildings with a distinctive curved roof design.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Fuyūjin
- Kami enshrined
- Fuyūjin
- Coordinates
- 38.8869125, 139.9321914
Visitor tip
For visitors wishing to capture the iconic view of Yamagata city from the top of the hill, try visiting early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is not too high or too low. This will help prevent harsh shadows from obstructing your view.
Cultural notes
Fuyūjin-sha is also associated with the legend of the 'bird that flies up to heaven,' which is said to be a metaphor for the wind god's role in carrying prayers and messages between humans and the divine. During the Setsubun festival, which falls on February 3rd or 4th, visitors to the shrine can try rice beans that have been roasted over an open flame, believed to ward off evil spirits.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake in 1583 during the Sengoku period, and it has since undergone several renovations and restorations.