Located in the town of Hitachi in Ibaraki Prefecture, Aiwa-don Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Takehisa Sakamoto, a samurai who served under Tokugawa Ieyasu. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design with a tiled roof and ornate wooden gates. The shrine's most notable feature is its tranquil garden surrounded by a beautiful stone wall.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Takehisa Sakamoto
- Coordinates
- 36.1067723, 140.0585816
Visitor tip
For a unique experience, visit the shrine during cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and walk through the serene garden along the Katsuragawa River.
Cultural notes
Aiwa-don Shrine is also known for its association with the Japanese myth of the 'tsukumogami,' or spirit of an object that has lived for 100 years. Locals believe that the shrine's wooden gates are haunted by the spirits of old trees.
Historical note
Built in 1638 to honor Takehisa Sakamoto, who played a key role in the unification of Japan under Tokugawa rule.