A–Z directory

衣笠神社

Japanese Name衣笠神社
PrefectureKanagawa
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityKitasato Daijin
Coordinates35.2483323, 139.6620063

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Kitasato Shrine, located in Kamakura, is dedicated to the Shinto god of education, health, and medicine. The shrine's main deity is Kitasato Daijin, also known as Kitabune no Kami. Historically significant for its role as a medical center during the Edo period, the shrine still maintains ties to local healthcare services. Visitors can experience traditional festivals like the Omisoka (New Year's Eve) and Shichi-Go-San (Fifth Day of the Fifth Month), which celebrate child health and longevity.

Cultural Significance

The shrine is famous for its 'Kabane' ritual, where visitors tie a ribbon with their name and pray for good health. This custom dates back to the 17th century when the shrine served as a hospital for local people.

Enshrined Deities

Kitasato Daijin Kabane no Kami

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

  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

Visit the shrine's outdoor museum to see traditional medical equipment on display.

History

Founded in 1604 by Tokugawa Ieyasu as a medical center for his troops.

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.