A–Z directory

薬師神社

Japanese Name薬師神社
PrefectureAkita
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityOkuninushi
Coordinates38.9581928, 139.8781948

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

The Medicine God Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of medicine, Okuninushi. This shrine is one of the oldest in Japan and is believed to have been founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE). It is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture.

Cultural Significance

Okuninushi is the Shinto god of medicine and health. The shrine celebrates the New Year (Oshogatsu) with a ritual to purify the body and mind, as well as a festival in July to honor Okuninushi's power over diseases. The shrine's traditional architecture features a unique curved roof design inspired by the mythological bird, Manaka no Komachi.

Enshrined Deities

Okuninushi

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.

Quick Facts

  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

To appreciate the shrine's beauty, visitors can take a stroll through the garden's Japanese-style tea house, where they can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies.

History

null

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

Japan In Pixels

A pixel art map of Japanese culture — coming 2027

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

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.