A–Z directory

鬼子母神堂社

Japanese Name鬼子母神堂社
PrefectureAkita
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityBishamon
Coordinates39.6295763, 140.3944544

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

The Kishimotogami Shrine in Akita Prefecture is dedicated to the Kami of children and youth, with a specific focus on the spirits of infants and children who have passed away. The shrine's primary deity is the Shinto god Bishamon, also known as the God of Children and Youth. The shrine's architecture reflects its role as a care facility for children, with a large stone well that is said to have healing properties for infants and children. Visitors can still see old wooden toys and clothing in the shrine's museum, which were offerings from parents wishing their children good health and longevity.

Cultural Significance

The Kishimotogami Shrine is also famous for its Bishamonten Matsuri festival in spring, which features traditional dances and offerings to the spirits of children. The shrine's museum houses a collection of old medical texts and instruments related to the traditional Shinto practice of 'yasei' (healing through the power of the kami).

Enshrined Deities

Bishamon Kagayakihime

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

Bring a small offering of sake or tea for the kami, and take a moment to pray for the health and happiness of children before visiting the shrine's stone well.

History

The shrine was founded in the Edo period (1603-1867), and has been continuously maintained since then.

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

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.