Located in the town of Chiba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Aseman Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of the sea, Okuninushi, and is also revered as the shrine of the founding goddess of the town, Utsukushima. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a wooden torii gate and a traditional Japanese-style honden. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine gardens, which feature a large oak tree believed to be over 1,000 years old.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Okuninushi
- Kami enshrined
- Okuninushi
- Coordinates
- 35.9697377, 139.7927709
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not too strong, and take a walk around the shrine gardens before visiting the main hall.
Cultural notes
Aseman Shrine is celebrated during the annual Chibi Festival in August, which features traditional dances, food stalls, and games for children. The shrine is also famous for its beautiful cherry blossom trees, which bloom in late March and early April.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 645 CE during the Asuka period, making it one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan.