Located in the town of Kashiwazaki in Niigata Prefecture, Middle Mountain Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of Mount Iwanuma, which was said to have been created by the goddess Amaterasu. The shrine is famous for its unique architecture and beautiful gardens. Visitors can experience a tranquil atmosphere while exploring the shrine's grounds, which include a large torii gate and several shrines dedicated to other local deities.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Kami of Mount Iwanuma
- Kami enshrined
- Iwanuma no Mikoto, Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 37.4833421, 138.9892274
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, consider visiting at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a warm glow over the grounds.
Cultural notes
Middle Mountain Shrine is associated with the legend of Iwanuma no Mikoto, a local deity said to have been born from the mountain. The shrine is also famous for its annual autumn festival, which features traditional dances and offerings to the kami.
Historical note
The shrine was established in 1663 during the Edo period.