A–Z directory

天祖神社

Japanese Name天祖神社
PrefectureIbaraki
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityTenzu no Kami
Coordinates35.7006105, 139.7257988

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in the city of Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, Tenzu Shrine is dedicated to the deity of the celestial emperor, Amaterasu. This shrine is part of the Tenzu Shrine Group, a collective of shrines located throughout Japan that are known for their unique architectural styles and rich history. The shrine's architecture is characteristic of the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a simple yet elegant design featuring a large vermillion torii gate and a main hall with a distinctive tiled roof. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and temples, as well as take in the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Cultural Significance

As a shrine dedicated to Amaterasu, Tenzu Shrine is an important site for Shinto worship and festivals. The shrine is also known for its unique 'yama-dera' architecture, which features a main hall built on a hillside. In addition to the shrine's own unique traditions, Tenzu Shrine is also connected to the nearby city of Hitachi, which has its own rich cultural heritage.

Enshrined Deities

Amaterasu Tenzu 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

To get a glimpse of the shrine's famous 'star' stone, which is said to have been given to the shrine by the celestial emperor herself, arrive early in the morning or late in the evening when the sun is low and the shadows are long.

History

The shrine was built during the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE) by order of the Minamoto clan, who were the ruling daimyos of the region at the time.

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.