A–Z directory

江島神社 中津宮

Enoshima Shrine Nakatsu-miya

Japanese Name江島神社 中津宮
English NameEnoshima Shrine Nakatsu-miya
PrefectureKanagawa
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityIchikishimahime-no-mikoto
TypeBenzaiten Shrine
Coordinates35.2994173, 139.4802298

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Nakatsu-miya is the middle shrine of the three main buildings comprising Enoshima Shrine, located on Enoshima Island in Sagami Bay. This vermillion shrine building is dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto and is famous for its association with entertainment, music, and good fortune. The shrine offers spectacular views of the surrounding coastline and is a popular destination for both pilgrims and tourists visiting the historic island.

Cultural Significance

Enoshima Shrine is deeply connected to the legend of the goddess Benzaiten taming a five-headed dragon that had been terrorizing the local population. The shrine complex represents the marriage between the goddess and the dragon, symbolizing the harmony between destructive and creative forces. The three shrines - Henjin-miya, Nakatsu-miya, and Okutsumiya - together form one of Japan's three great Benzaiten shrines.

Enshrined Deities

Ichikishimahime-no-mikoto

More info

Dedicated to Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto, one of the three sister goddesses of Enoshima Island, this shrine serves as the middle sanctuary in the sacred triad that comprises Enoshima Shrine. Worshippers come here seeking blessings for entertainment, performing arts, and good fortune, as the enshrined kami is believed to bestow artistic talents and success in creative endeavors. The vermillion-lacquered buildings, rebuilt in 1996, house precious cultural artifacts and serve as a spiritual center where visitors pray for prosperity in the arts and protection during their island pilgrimage.

Visitor-oriented summary; please verify important details before travel or citation.

Location

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Spot an error?

This shrine data is sourced from OpenStreetMap. You can submit a correction or edit it on OpenStreetMap.

Shrine data © OpenStreetMap contributors, under the Open Database License.

Browse shrines by prefecture

Jump to Shinto shrines across Japan — 108 prefectures in our directory.

Quick Facts

  • Era: Asuka period
  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

Visit during sunset for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay from the shrine grounds.

History

Nakatsu-miya was established as part of the broader Enoshima Shrine complex, which has roots dating back to the 6th century when the island was said to have risen from the ocean. The shrine became particularly associated with Benzaiten worship during the medieval period, blending Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The current buildings were reconstructed in modern times, maintaining the traditional architectural style while serving as the central worship hall of the three-shrine complex.

A-Z Creatures
Learn Japanese

Japanese Culture Network

Japanese Wood Joints

Ancient joinery techniques of Japanese master craftsmen

ShrinePuzzle

Directory of Japanese board games and traditional games

Kohibou

Japanese coffee culture — kissaten, third wave and brewing guides

E2Japan

Explore Japan's landmarks, shrines and hidden locations

The 725 Club

SNES and Super Famicom collection tracker

Spaceship Adventures

Hoshi no Isan — a Japanese-aesthetic space RPG in development

Uptown Zero

Pixel art life sim MMO — start at zero, build your life

Book Fairy Tales

AI-powered educational stories for kids

CSSKitsune

Japanese-aesthetic design tokens & AI-ready UI prompts

Shinto Wisdom app icon
Free App · No Ads · Offline

Shinto Wisdom Daily Practice

by 10k Game Studio

Every day, one teaching. One moment of stillness.
Kanji, meaning, and a quiet reflection — rooted in the philosophy behind Japan's forests, seasons, and sacred silences.

結び Musubi 清め Harae 自然 Shizen 間 Ma 誠 Makoto + 45 more
Get it on Google Play

Explore 297+ yōkai, oni, kami, and spirits — plus one of the largest English-language Shinto shrine directories on the web.

Explore
Popular Yokai
Popular Shrines

Content Warning: This website explores Japanese folklore and mythological beings—including yokai, oni, and other supernatural entities—that may be frightening to younger audiences or sensitive viewers. All material is presented for educational and cultural appreciation only. Viewer discretion is advised.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to preview content before sharing it with children. By continuing to use JapaneseMythicalCreatures.com, you acknowledge and accept this advisory.

Copyright © 2026 Japanese Mythical Creatures • All Rights Reserved.