The Twelve Great Shining Deities Shrine, located in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, is one of the most famous and historic Shinto shrines in Japan. However, we found it under a different name, 十二大明神, which is also associated with Nikko. This shrine enshrines the Twelve Kami of the Heavenly Court, which are believed to protect travelers and merchants on their journeys. The shrine's architecture reflects its Heian period (794-1185 CE) origins, with a simple yet elegant design. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several torii gates and beautifully landscaped gardens.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
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- Kami enshrined
- Tamayama no Okami, Taka no Okami, Kaito no Kami, Mori no Kami, Kagutsuchi no Kami, Saso no Kami, Hokuto no kami, Ame no Kami, Shinno no Kami, Taiyō no Kami, Tsuki-yomi-no-kami, Ōkuninushi
- Coordinates
- 37.3347395, 138.7948202
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the golden light illuminates the torii gates.
Cultural notes
The Twelve Great Shining Deities Shrine is associated with several festivals throughout the year, including the Autumn Leaves Festival and the Winter Solstice Festival. The shrine is also connected to the mythology of the Heavenly Court, which plays a significant role in Japanese folklore.
Historical note
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