Located in Akita Prefecture, 小野小町塚 is a lesser-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the legendary heroine Onna-bugeisha, also known as Kusunoki Makibi. This shrine is said to be the final resting place of her spirit, and visitors can still see the remains of the Kusunoki family's ancestral home nearby.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Onna-bugeisha (Female Warrior)
- Kami enshrined
- Onna-bugeisha, Yoshitsune no Minamoto, Mikage
- Coordinates
- 39.7412839, 140.0852769
Visitor tip
To pay respects to Onna-bugeisha, visitors can light incense and offer prayers at the main torii gate during the spring cherry blossom season.
Cultural notes
As a shrine dedicated to a female warrior, 小野小町塚 is an important cultural site for women's empowerment and martial arts. During the Obon festival, locals perform a traditional dance called 'Kusunoki Odori' to honor Onna-bugeisha's legacy.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) in memory of Kusunoki Makibi's bravery during the Battle of Bun'ei.