Yoshiwara Jinja is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, and was originally established in 1602 to commemorate the arrival of the Tokugawa shogunate at Edo (modern-day Tokyo). The shrine is famous for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture. Visitors can also explore the adjacent Yoshiwara Market Halls, a historic shopping district that dates back to the Edo period.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 35.7228449, 139.7933473
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try some of the traditional local sweets available at the market halls before heading into the garden.
Cultural notes
Yoshiwara Jinja is known for its association with the yurei (ghosts) said to haunt the area. According to local legend, the shrine was once visited by a group of samurai who were seeking spiritual guidance, and as a result, they became cursed with evil spirits. Today, visitors can see a statue of the samurai in the shrine grounds.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1631 after being destroyed by fire.