Washinomiya Shrine

Overview

Washinomiya Shrine (Washinomiya-jinja) is one of the oldest Shintō shrines in the Kantō region, located in Kuki, Saitama Prefecture (formerly Washimiya). It styles itself the oldest great shrine in Kantō and the head shrine of the Otori (rooster) tradition. Its enshrined deities are Amenohohi, his son Takehiratori (Takehinatori), and Ōnamuchi (Ōkuninushi).

Highlights

• ●An ancient shrine styled the oldest great shrine in Kantō
• ●Regarded as the head shrine of the Otori tradition
• ●Enshrines Amenohohi, Takehiratori, and Ōnamuchi
• ●Also known as Musashi Province's Washinomiya Shrine

History

This main shrine stands at the center of many branch shrines of the same name found around the former Ōta-no-shō estate; within Kuki alone there are two at Shimohayami and one at Happō. The designation "Washinomiya Shrine of Musashi Province" is used to distinguish it from other shrines bearing the same name. It has long been known as the oldest great shrine in Kantō and as a head shrine of the Otori tradition.

Map

36.0999, 139.6549 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Pay a visit to the main shrine styled the oldest great shrine in Kantō
2. 2View the halls enshrining Amenohohi, Takehiratori, and Ōnamuchi
3. 3Learn of its standing as a head shrine of the Otori tradition
4. 4Understand its ties to the many branch shrines around the former Ōta-no-shō

Did you know?

💡 Many branch shrines of the same name lie around the former Ōta-no-shō, including two at Shimohayami and one at Happō within Kuki.

Nearby spots