Located in the city of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, Sixteen Shrine is a well-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and prosperity, Hikoboshi. The shrine's name 'Sixteen' refers to the mythological bridge that connects the world of the living with the world of the dead, spanning 16 kilometers. Visitors can walk across the bridge on the 7th day of the 7th month during Obon festivals.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hikoboshi
- Kami enshrined
- Hikoboshi
- Coordinates
- 34.9884283, 137.6241513
Visitor tip
To make an offering to the god, bring a bento box with food and drink that has been prepared with care, as this is believed to be of great importance to Hikoboshi.
Cultural notes
Sixteen Shrine is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and its connection to the Japanese mythology surrounding the spirits of ancestors. During Obon festivals, visitors can see the 'yurei' (ghosts) believed to appear on both sides of the bridge, a reminder of the cycle of life and death.
Historical note
The shrine was established in the Edo period (1603-1867).