Dainichi Shrine in Nagaoka, Niigata Prefecture was the first Shinto shrine established by the Imperial family. Rev. Shinzaburo Nakamura, a priest of Daitokuji Temple in Kyoto, performed a ritual to establish the new shrine in 1869. Today, Dainichi Shrine is an important cultural and historical site in Niigata City.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- null
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 37.7675588, 139.1207735
Visitor tip
To appreciate the shrine's significance, visit during the autumn festival (Matsuri), where a grand procession of shrine priests takes place.
Cultural notes
Dainichi Shrine is dedicated to Dainichi, the Shinto deity for fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects a mix of traditional Japanese styles, including the Heian period's characteristic roof design.
Historical note
Established by Imperial family in 1869.