Uzume Shrine, Shinto shrine in Matsukawa, Japan

Uzume Shrine in Matsukawa has a broad, low-sweeping gabled roof of dark grey material that extends forward over the main hall as deep eaves. Below the roof, a triangular gable with exposed timber framing and a carved ornament sits above a beam draped with red-and-white striped cloth and white paper streamers. The facade behind consists of dark wooden panels and vertical slats, with glass-paned doors at the center rear. A stone lantern with a tiered top and small figures at its base stands to the left, beside a stone slab with carved characters.

Founded during the Meiji era (1868–1912), the shrine became known for the healing power of its Okame-sama and drew crowds in the early Showa period. In 1930 Okame-mae Station opened on the Shinano Railway, later renamed Kita-Hosono when the line was nationalized. Teahouses and souvenir shops lined the approach at its peak, but the shrine declined as war approached. The main hall was rebuilt in 1931.

The shrine is known for worship of Okame-sama, a name given to Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, credited with benefits in welfare and fortune. It enshrines her alone in the main hall, while Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto sits in a subsidiary shrine in the grounds. Shrines to this deity elsewhere in Nagano Prefecture, in Okaya, Shimosuwa and Chino, are said to be branch dedications from here.

The shrine sits near National Route 147 and is easily accessible on foot from central Matsukawa. Visitors should approach respectfully by bowing before the main hall and following simple customs when making offerings or leaving wishes on wooden plaques.

Uzume Shrine is unusual among shrines to Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto: she is worshipped alone in the main hall, while Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto, usually her paired deity, sits in a small subsidiary shrine in the grounds. The shrine also gave its name to a railway stop: Okame-mae Station opened on the Shinano Railway in 1930 and was renamed Kitasahino when the line was nationalised.