Eastern Shrine, located in the town of Kurotoge, Gunma Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the sun and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical period as a Heian-era shrine, with a traditional honden and a torii gate. Visitors can experience the shrine's natural beauty by walking through the adjacent forest, which offers stunning views of Mount Tanegashima.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasakuya-hime
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasakuya-hime, Oyashiro-tsunagari-kami
- Coordinates
- 35.9030187, 139.2458803
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's scenery, visit at sunrise or sunset when the forest is bathed in golden light.
Cultural notes
Eastern Shrine is associated with the mythology of the sun goddess, Amaterasu Ōmikami. The shrine also hosts a spring festival to celebrate the arrival of spring, which features traditional dances and offerings to the kami.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in the Heian era (794-1185 CE) during the reign of Emperor Ichijō.