White Faced Shrine, located in Aomori Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Ō no Tsukiyomi and also has associations with the sun goddess Amaterasu. The shrine's main hall is covered in cedar shingles and its roof resembles a traditional Japanese tiled roof. According to local legend, the shrine was built on the site of a former Ryukyu Kingdom temple. In the spring, visitors can see beautiful cherry blossoms in front of the shrine. White Faced Shrine plays an important role in the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ō no Tsukiyomi
- Kami enshrined
- Ō no Tsukiyomi, Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 40.2569505, 140.0503706
Visitor tip
When visiting the shrine, try to visit during the peak blooming season of the cherry blossoms (usually late March to early April), and take a moment to admire the beautiful hanami (cherry blossom viewing) area.
Cultural notes
Ō no Tsukiyomi is associated with the sea and is said to be the god of the moon. White Faced Shrine has a long history of cherry blossom viewing, which dates back to the Edo period. The shrine's architecture is typical of traditional Japanese buildings found in Aomori Prefecture.
Historical note
Built in 1867.