Located in the city of Kusatsu, Gunma Prefecture, Warm Spring Medicine God Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi-no-kami, the god of medicine and healing. The shrine's name reflects its association with natural hot springs, which are believed to possess therapeutic properties. Visitors can relax in the warm waters of the nearby hot springs or explore the shrine's traditional architecture, which dates back to the Edo period.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Okuninushi
- Kami enshrined
- Okuninushi-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 36.6877437, 138.7731459
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's natural beauty, consider visiting in spring when the nearby hot springs are at their peak temperature.
Cultural notes
The shrine is associated with Okuninushi-no-kami, a kami believed to have created the first hospital. The shrine also celebrates the annual 'Hot Spring Festival' (Umegawara Matsuri) in June, where participants reenact the myth of Okuninushi's creation of the hospital.
Historical note
Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine has been rebuilt several times due to fires and earthquakes, with the current structure dating back to the Edo period (1603-1867 CE).