Yahiko shrine 🙏

Yahiko-jinja is the main shrine of former Echigo province and has been ruling over Niigata’s northern territory for more than 2,400 years. Nestled in a dense forest of century-old cedar trees, the Shinto site is imbued with a strong spirituality, enhanced by the view of Mount Yahiko overlooking the Sea of Japan in the background. The area’s inhabitants visit the shrine all year round. It is dedicated to kami Amenokaguyama no Mikoto (or Amanokagoyama no Mikoto), the great grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, who among other things, grants good fortune, prosperity in business and success in love when prayed. According to a local legend, Amenokaguyama is said to have encouraged the birth of Echigo province and taught its people how to improve their livelihood with fishing and agriculture.