Located in the Niigata Prefecture, Kagami-ga-dera Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of water and fertility. The shrine's name 'Kagami' means 'mirror' in Japanese, reflecting its association with the serene beauty of water. With a history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), the shrine has undergone numerous renovations while maintaining its traditional architecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Ookami
- Coordinates
- 37.993427, 138.4077411
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's scenic beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the setting sun casts a golden glow on the reflecting pool.
Cultural notes
As a water kami shrine, Kagami-ga-dera is deeply connected to Niigata's rich maritime history. During the Edo period (1603-1868 CE), the shrine hosted a famous annual festival to honor the patron deity of fishing and the local salt industry.
Historical note
The shrine was originally founded during the Nara period as a guardian deity for the Niigata region's salt production industry.