e2japan
EN JA

Sanno Dainichi Shrine

山王大日神社

Sanno Dainichi Jinja

Kanagawa

A Shinto shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture that combines traditional Sanno worship with Buddhist elements, reflecting the historical syncretic practices of shinbutsu-shugo. The shrine venerates mountain deities alongside Buddhist influences.

Denomination
Sanno
Religion
shinto
Enshrined kami
Oyamakui-no-kami and Dainichi Nyorai
Kami enshrined
Oyamakui-no-kami, Dainichi Nyorai
Coordinates
35.2821088, 139.6543091

Visitor tip

Look for the unique combination of Shinto and Buddhist architectural elements that reflect the shrine's syncretic heritage.

Cultural notes

The name combines Sanno (Mountain King), referring to the deity of Mount Hiei, with Dainichi Nyorai, demonstrating the complex religious syncretism that characterized Japanese spirituality before the Meiji period separation of Buddhism and Shinto.

Historical note

This shrine represents the historical blending of Shinto and Buddhist traditions known as shinbutsu-shugo, where Sanno worship (associated with Hie shrines and mountain deities) was combined with veneration of Dainichi Nyorai, the cosmic Buddha of Shingon Buddhism.

More shrines in Kanagawa