A–Z directory

大国神社

Japanese Name大国神社
PrefectureShimane
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityBig God, Ama-no-oki-tachi
Coordinates34.3472455, 132.9093734

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Big God Shrine, located in the town of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture, is one of Japan's most famous and historic Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the deity of the sea, it has been an important center for worship and ceremonial events for centuries. The shrine is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens, which reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.

Cultural Significance

The Big God Shrine is closely tied to the mythology of the sea, with its primary deity believed to be the 'Ama-no-oki-tachi' kami, a powerful god associated with fertility, prosperity, and the ocean's bounty. The shrine also hosts an annual Festival of the Sea, which commemorates the legend of the sun goddess Amaterasu and her role as the patron deity of the sea.

Enshrined Deities

Ama-no-oki-tachi

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

To fully appreciate the beauty of the shrine, visitors are recommended to arrive early in the morning or late in the evening when the light is soft and golden, highlighting the intricate stone carvings and lush greenery.

History

The shrine was originally founded in 720 AD by Emperor Shomu, who built a large temple on the site before it was converted into a Shinto shrine.

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.