Nihonmatsu-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Nihonmatsu-jinja is a Shinto shrine in the city of Nihonmatsu, featuring traditional wooden structures with simple, natural design that blends into its surroundings. The main hall holds sacred objects where visitors bow and clap their hands respectfully before offering their prayers.
The shrine became connected to the local castle in the 15th century and was built on a mountain called Shirahataga mine, where it served as a guardian for samurai families. During the Edo period, several clans including the Gamo, Matsushita, and Kato honored it with regular visits and prayers for their success.
The shrine is where families celebrate important life milestones such as coming-of-age ceremonies and weddings. Visitors write wishes on small wooden plaques called ema and leave offerings as a way to express their hopes for the future.
The shrine is just a five-minute walk from Nihonmatsu Station and is easily reachable on foot, with a few parking spaces available nearby. The main office is open during daytime hours and accepts reservations in advance for ceremonies and special prayers.
The shrine is known for the Nihonmatsu Lantern Festival, celebrated for over 360 years, where thousands of handmade colorful lanterns light up the night sky. This ranks among the most visually striking events of the year in the city, drawing families to witness the glowing displays.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
