Indra Shrine, located in the town of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. With a history dating back to the Nara period, the shrine has been rebuilt several times due to fires and wars. Today, it remains an important cultural and historical landmark in the region.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 35.8196451, 139.88315
Visitor tip
To make a wish at the shrine, gently toss three coins onto the 'haiden' doorframe, then take one coin as a good luck charm, returning the remaining two to the shrine.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its beautiful vermilion torii gate and its role in the annual Amaterasu Omikami Shiki no Hi festival, which honors the goddess's return from her underworld home. The shrine is also known for its unique 'tsukubai' stone basin, used for purification rituals.
Historical note
Founded during the reign of Emperor Saga (r. 810-842) of the Imperial House of Japan.