Located in the heart of Akita City, 鐘旭道神社 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to Tsukiyomi no Kami, the god of the moon and the sea. The shrine's name, meaning 'Bell Sunrise Bell Shrine', reflects its connection to the astronomical event known as a 'bell sun', where the horizon appears to be shaped like a bell due to the sunrise over the sea.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tsukiyomi no Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Tsukiyomi no Kami
- Coordinates
- 39.4462537, 140.4949694
Visitor tip
To experience the unique 'bell sun' phenomenon, plan your visit for around December 14th to 16th, when the winter solstice sunrise creates this stunning visual effect.
Cultural notes
In Japanese mythology, Tsukiyomi no Kami is often depicted as a powerful and wise god who controls the oceans and tides. At 鐘旭道神社, visitors can find the shrine's iconic bell, which is said to have been hung from the roof by a group of local artisans in 1905.
Historical note
The shrine was originally constructed in 1635 by the local daimyo (feudal lord) and has undergone several restorations since then.