Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Moon Reading Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okuninushi no Kami, a kami associated with harvests and fertility. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, featuring a wooden torii gate and a large stone foundation. Visitors can experience the serene atmosphere of this rural oasis.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Okuninushi
- Kami enshrined
- Okuninushi
- Coordinates
- 36.0699674, 140.1542548
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's tranquil atmosphere, consider visiting at dawn or dusk when the mist from nearby Hitachi River rises, creating a mystical ambiance.
Cultural notes
Moon Reading Shrine is famous for its 'Moon Viewing Festival', held in February, where visitors pray for good harvests and fertility. The shrine also has connections to the myth of the 'Okuninushi no Kami', who was said to have brought rice from heaven to humanity.
Historical note
Founded in 1632 during the Edo period, Moon Reading Shrine has been an important center for agricultural ceremonies.