Located in the town of Sasanuma, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tsuruha-jinja Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. This ancient Shinto shrine was originally built during the Nara period (710-794 CE) and has been rebuilt several times due to fires and other disasters. The current structure dates back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Visitors can explore the beautiful gardens, peaceful walkways, and historic buildings of this serene shrine.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Tsuruha-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 36.0127385, 140.3024496
Visitor tip
For a truly immersive experience, visit during the summer solstice festival (June) when locals perform traditional dances and ceremonies to honor the sun goddess.
Cultural notes
Tsuruha-jinja Shrine is notable for its unique architectural style, which blends elements of Heian-period temples with Shinto shrine structures. The shrine also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the summer solstice festival and the autumnal leaf-peeping event.
Historical note
The shrine was originally dedicated to Amaterasu, but has also been enshrined with the kami Tsuruha-no-kami, a regional deity associated with agriculture and fertility.