Towada-Jinja Shrine

Towada Shrine (十和田神社), also known as Towada-jinja, is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Towada, Aomori Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the kami (deity) Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, and the dragon deity Seiryu Daigongen, and is considered a sacred site in the region. The city of Towada derives its name from the shrine.

The exact origins of Towada Shrine are uncertain, but according to legend, it dates back to the early 9th century. The current shrine buildings were reconstructed in 1950 after the Great Towada Fire, although the shrine has undergone numerous fires and rebuildings throughout its history. The main hall, or honden, is built in the Gongen-zukuri style, a typical architectural style of shrines from the medieval to early modern period.

Towada Shrine also has a strong connection to Lake Towada, and is revered as the shrine of the lake deity. The shrine’s annual festival, the Towada-jinja Taisai, takes place in August and features various traditional performances, including taiko drumming, Shinto music and dance, and a procession of mikoshi (portable shrines) through the city.

Getting there

By Bus

From Hachinohe Station:

• Take the JR Mizuumi Bus bound for Towadako
• Get off at Towadako Bus Stop
• 10-minute walk to the shrine
• Journey time: About 2 hours from Hachinohe Station

By Car

• About 2 hours drive from Hachinohe
• Parking available at the shrine (limited spaces)

Details

Hours	Open 24 hours
Admission	Free
Phone	+81 176-75-2508
Address	Towadakohanyasumiya-486 Okuse, Towada, Aomori 034-0301
Resources	https://towadako.or.jp/rekishi-densetsu/towada-jinja/