Located in the town of Shimotsuke, Ibaraki Prefecture, Hori Gana Shrine is dedicated to Hikoboshi-gami, a kami who oversees the annual Star Festival on the seventh day of the seventh month. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a humble village shrine, with simple buildings and natural surroundings. Visitors can experience traditional Shinto practices by participating in purification rituals at the temizuya water basin.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hikoboshi-gami
- Kami enshrined
- Hikoboshi-gami
- Coordinates
- 36.185848, 139.979846
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine's temizuya on an auspicious day to purify your hands and receive a blessing before participating in the annual Star Festival.
Cultural notes
Hori Gana Shrine is closely tied to the mythology surrounding Hikoboshi-gami, who is said to travel between the mortal world and the spirit realm across a bamboo bridge during the Star Festival. Locals celebrate this connection with traditional dances and offerings of sake and mochi.
Historical note
Founded during the Edo period, Hori Gana Shrine has maintained its importance as a regional center of worship for generations.