Located in the heart of Akita, Shinto's oldest shrine dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese culture and history. This iconic shrine, originally built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), has been continuously worshipped for over 1,000 years. Visitors can experience traditional Shinto rituals and ceremonies, while surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens and unique architectural features.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Coordinates
- 39.8877796, 139.9761639
Visitor tip
To avoid crowds, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is low in the sky.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's oldest shrines, Shinto's 稲荷神社 (Ise Grand Shrine) was not actually built here. However, this shrine is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the Shinto goddess of the sun and heavens, similar to the kami worshipped at Ise. Despite its name,稲荷神社 has strong ties to the local community and participates in several regional festivals throughout the year.