Located in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture, White Rock Shrine is a Shinto temple that honors the kami of the region's natural beauty and spiritual energies. Dedicated to the worship of Fujin and Raijin, the god of wind and thunder, respectively, the shrine also enshrines Yatagarasu, a mythical bird-like creature with wings, tail, and beak of an eagle, as well as the three sea deities known as the Kotoshiro no Kami.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Fujin, Raijin, Yatagarasu, Kotoshiro no Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Fujin, Raijin, Yatagarasu, Kotoshiro no Kami
- Coordinates
- 36.1989664, 139.0942299
Visitor tip
For a unique experience, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun casts a warm glow on the white rock torii gate.
Cultural notes
In Japanese mythology, Fujin and Raijin are believed to be responsible for the changing seasons, weather patterns, and natural disasters. The shrine's location near the base of Mount Kusatsu-Shirane, an active volcano, is thought to amplify these spiritual energies.
Historical note
Founded during the Edo period, the shrine was originally built in 1694 to commemorate the founding of the nearby town.