Located in the scenic city of Akita,木境大物忌神社 (Mokken Daibutsu Jinjya) is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity of the forest, Mokō no kami. The shrine's main hall, a striking example of traditional Japanese architecture, boasts an impressive 18-meter-tall wooden statue of Mokō no kami. According to local legend, this massive statue was built in 1765 and is adorned with thousands of gold leaf plates weighing over 30 tons.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Mokō no kami
- Kami enshrined
- Mokō no kami, Forest spirit
- Coordinates
- 39.1996784, 140.0797983
Visitor tip
For a unique perspective on the shrine, visitors can walk through the adjacent 'Forest Path' (Kōrogi), which leads to the summit of Mount Aza, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Cultural notes
As a sacred site for forest spirits, Mokken Daibutsu Jinjya is also associated with the annual 'Forest Festival' (Kōno Matsuri) in September, where locals celebrate the bounty of nature and honor the deity's protection over the local ecosystem. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical connection to the region's rich agricultural heritage.
Historical note
Founded in the late Edo period (1868-1869) by Imaizumi family.