What deities are worshipped at Isesaki Shrine?

The principal deity enshrined at Isesaki Shrine is Ukemochi-no Kami, the goddess of food, along with 27 additional deities. This makes it an important religious site where visitors can pay respects to multiple divine spirits, with particular significance for those seeking blessings related to food and agriculture.

What can visitors see at the shrine in terms of architecture?

The current main shrine building was constructed in 1848 and features very detailed and magnificent carvings that showcase traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The worship hall was built later in 1933. These historical structures represent excellent examples of shrine architecture from the Edo and early Showa periods.

How do I get to Isesaki Shrine and is there an admission fee?

Isesaki Shrine is located approximately 16 minutes on foot from Isesaki Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation. Following standard practice at most Japanese shrines, admission to the shrine grounds is free. Visitors can explore the premises and participate in worship activities without any entrance charge.

Are there any festivals or special events held at Isesaki Shrine?

Isesaki Shrine is connected to the Isesaki Festival, a colorful summer event featuring competitive dance performances, parades with portable shrines (mikoshi), and the spectacular Danpia Isesaki dance show. The city also hosts the Isesaki Fireworks Festival in autumn, featuring 10,000 fireworks set to music over an hour and a half. These events draw large crowds and showcase local traditions and community spirit.

Isesaki Shrine

4.1 (826)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 28, 2026

Isesaki Shrine sits in Isesaki City in the southern part of Gunma Prefecture and traces its origins to 1213 when it was founded by Yoshizumi Miura, a samurai and general serving the Kamakura Shogunate. The shrine's original location remains unknown, but it was relocated to its current site in 1329 by the local governor. The present main shrine building dates to 1848 and features intricate, magnificent carvings that showcase traditional Japanese craftsmanship, while the worship hall was constructed in 1933.

The principal deity enshrined here is Ukemochi-no Kami, the goddess of food, alongside 27 additional deities, making this a significant spiritual center for local worship. The shrine serves as an important religious site for the community, offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of Shinto tradition and regional history. The detailed woodwork of the main building represents excellent examples of mid-19th century shrine architecture, demonstrating the skilled craftsmanship of the Edo period.

Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, observe the traditional architecture up close, and participate in standard shrine activities such as making offerings and purchasing protective charms. The peaceful atmosphere provides a retreat from urban life, while the historical structures offer photography opportunities for those interested in traditional Japanese religious architecture.

Isesaki Shrine is located approximately 16 minutes on foot from Isesaki Station, making it easily accessible for visitors using public transportation. The shrine is situated in a residential area of the city, allowing travelers to experience local neighborhood life while visiting this historical site. Admission to the shrine grounds is free, following the standard practice at most Japanese shrines.

What other travelers are saying about Isesaki Shrine

Japanese temple.... I went 2021 new years day.... Nicest thing....one time watchable for tourist...

Jan 4, 2021

It is said to have been founded by Miura no Suke Yoshizumi on September 23, 1213 (the first year of the Kenpo era), but the original site of the shrine is unknown. In 1329 (the first year of the Gentoku era), the then provincial governor, Nitta Yoshisada, moved the shrine to its current location, repaired the main building, and enshrined the three deities Yasaka, Inari, and Sugawara. The current shrine building was built in 1848 (the first year of the Kaei era) and features exquisitely intricate carvings. It was deeply revered by successive lords of Akaishi Castle, and by the Meiji era it had become a shrine of its own. The place name Isesaki was formerly Akaishi no Sato, but it is said that the name Isesaki was adopted during the Genki era (1570-1573) when Ise Grand Shrine was enshrined there. This shrine was originally called Iifuku Shrine, but in 1926 it merged with several other local shrines and was renamed Isesaki Shrine. Free parking and restrooms are available. This is a small shrine. Main deity: Ukemochi-no-Kami The goddess of food and industry, with the power to create things. Ukemochi-no-Kami created many things essential to life, such as crops, animals, fish, and silkworms. She is enshrined at many shrines as the deity of food, drink, and industry. One day, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto visited Ukemochi-no-Kami at the command of Amaterasu Omikami. Ukemochi-no-Kami, pleased, offered Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto a lavish meal by spitting rice from her mouth toward the earth, fish toward the sea, and animals toward the mountains. However, Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto was far from pleased; he became enraged, saying, "Are you making me eat the filthy thing you spit out of your mouth?" He killed Ukemochi-no-Kami with his sword. Amaterasu-no-Omikami was furious when she heard this and declared she never wanted to see Tsukuyomi-no-Mikoto again. As a result, the sun and moon began to appear separately during the day and at night. Amaterasu Omikami sent Ame-no-Kumahito, and from the corpse of Ukemochi-no-Kami, cattle and horses were born, from her head, millet from her forehead, silkworms from her eyebrows, barley from her eyes, rice from her stomach, and barley, soybeans, and wheat from her genitals. When Amaterasu Omikami brought all of these back, she was overjoyed and used them as seeds for the fields, as they were food necessary for the people to survive. Isesaki Shrine is home to 28 gods. There are also local ties, and events are held in November, January, etc.

This shrine is said to be the origin of the name Isesaki City. The main hall is very impressive and grand. There is a fairly large tree on the grounds. The shrine has a sacred atmosphere to it. There is also a parking lot and toilets, so if you're in the area, I highly recommend stopping by.

This shrine is located close to Isesaki Station. I decided to visit because they have a wooden propeller used in propeller planes on display. This propeller is displayed in front of the worship hall and is said to contain the wish that "planes will return safely from the war." The propeller is from a Type 90 No. 3 floatplane manufactured in 1932.

The shrine office appears to be under renovation, so visitors must enter through the torii gate on the south side. There is also an entrance on the back side of the shrine, with a torii gate, but it is not possible to pass through it. The carvings are very impressive. Visitors came in a steady stream, and it seemed like a place that is well-loved.