藥王天神社 is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, dedicated to Ō no Yasukuni, known as the 'Medicine God' or 'Pharmacist God', believed to have created the first medicines. The shrine's architecture reflects Heian period influences, with a main hall featuring a tiled roof and traditional Japanese-style interior. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a museum showcasing local pharmaceutical history, as well as a historic medicinal herb garden.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ō no Yasukuni
- Kami enshrined
- Ō no Yasukuni, Ō-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 38.6205332, 140.9170481
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's medicinal gardens, visit early morning or late afternoon when the scent of herbs is most pronounced.
Cultural notes
藥王天神社 celebrates the Medicine God Festival (Yakushi Matsuri) on April 29th, which features traditional herbal remedies and medicine-making demonstrations. The shrine also has a unique tradition where visitors can offer prayers for healing at a special 'medicine altar'.
Historical note
Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) by Emperor Kanmu to commemorate Ō no Yasukuni's role in healing the emperor's son.