Taga Shrine, located in the city of Odawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of the kami of the area's rice paddies and fields. The shrine's history dates back to the Edo period, during which it was an important center for agriculture and trade. Today, visitors can still see the remains of the old farmhouses and barns that once surrounded the shrine.
- Denomination
- shinto
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- En no Goshin'etsu
- Kami enshrined
- En no Goshin'etsu, Mikoto no Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.1168222, 138.928964
Visitor tip
Be sure to visit during the annual Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival (Hanami) in spring, which features traditional games and food stalls.
Cultural notes
Taga Shrine is associated with the legend of the ' rice goddess', a powerful kami said to have protected the local farmers and ensured bountiful harvests. The shrine's architecture reflects its agricultural origins, with many buildings designed to resemble farmhouses and granaries. Visitors can also see a number of traditional Shinto altars and shrines within the complex.
Historical note
Founded in 1651 during the Edo period as a shrine dedicated to the worship of the rice god En no Goshin'etsu