Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America

The Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America is a Shinto shrine in Granite Falls built according to Japanese architectural principles. The site features a main building with a characteristic roof, surrounded by forest, walking paths, and visitor areas designed to encourage calm reflection.

The shrine was founded to establish and spread Shinto faith in America. Its creation reflects the growth of Japanese communities in the US and their commitment to preserving spiritual traditions across generations.

The shrine shows Japanese traditions in everyday practice, visible in the purification ritual at the entrance and how visitors move through the space. It serves as a place where Japanese spiritual customs are actively maintained and shared with the broader community.

Visitors should know this is an active spiritual site with certain behavioral customs, such as removing shoes in specific areas. It helps to arrive early and allow time to explore the grounds, especially on nice days when outdoor areas are most welcoming.

The shrine is one of the few authentic sites of Shinto practice on the US mainland where genuine ceremonies take place. Its forest location creates a rare experience of Japanese spiritual spaces far from Japan itself.