Located in the heart of Sendai, Date Jinsha is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the storm god Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Founded in 718 CE during the Nara period, it is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. The shrine complex features a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Susanoo
- Coordinates
- 38.5233156, 141.0371718
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's historical significance, consider visiting during the annual Sendai Tanabata Festival in July, where visitors can write wishes on tanzaku papers and hang them from the trees.
Cultural notes
As a major Shinto pilgrimage site, Date Jinsha is associated with the legend of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who is said to have created the islands of Japan. The shrine's sacred tree, a hinoki cypress, is believed to be over 1,000 years old.
Historical note
Date Jinsha was originally established as a sacred site for the imperial family, but its exact origins date back to the 7th century.