Located in the heart of Kyoto, Nōgū-ji Temple, or more commonly known as Oshio Shrine, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Kami, Okuninushi no Ōkami, the god of harvest and protector of the rice fields. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a major center for agricultural rituals in ancient Japan.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Okuninushi no Ōkami
- Kami enshrined
- Okuninushi no Ōkami, Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 35.4746443, 135.652248
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's history and significance, visit during the spring harvest festival (, shunbun matsuri) which takes place on April 27th, and witness the traditional offerings and rituals held in honor of Okuninushi no Ōkami.
Cultural notes
Oshio Shrine is particularly notable for its association with the Japanese mythology surrounding the rice goddess, Amaterasu. According to legend, Amaterasu's son, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, was responsible for destroying a sacred shrine at Nagaoka-ji Temple in present-day Nagano Prefecture and subsequently taking refuge in Oshio Shrine. This mythological account solidifies the shrine's importance as a revered center of Shintoism.
Historical note
The current structure dates back to 1849, however, the site is believed to have been an important Shinto shrine since at least the Heian period.