Meishin-taisha Ichinomiya (Echigo Province)

Yahiko Shrine

彌彦神社

/ Yahiko Jinja

Admission
Free
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
300 yen
Access
15 min walk
Hours
24 hours (shrine office: 8:30-16:00)

Overview

Yahiko Shrine stands at the foot of Mount Yahiko (634m) on the western edge of the Echigo Plain. As the first-ranked shrine of Echigo Province, it has served as the spiritual anchor of the Niigata region for over a millennium. The enshrined deity, Ame-no-Kagoyama-no-Mikoto, is revered as a great-great-grandchild of Amaterasu who is said to have taught the people of Echigo the arts of agriculture, fishing, and salt-making.

History

Founding

📄
Documented
711

Source: Shrine records mention expansion by imperial edict in Wado 4 (711)

711📜According to tradition

Shrine grounds expanded and buildings renovated by imperial edict

Enshrined Deities

Ame No Kagoyama No Mikoto
primary Deity

Blessings

Shrine Network

Did You Know?

💡

Mount Yahiko itself is considered the shrine's sacred mountain (shintaizan), and a separate worship site exists at its summit.

Source: tradition

Practical Information

Location Coordinates

37.6907, 138.8277

Physical Address

2887-2 Yahiko, Yahiko-mura, Nishikanbara-gun, Niigata

新潟県西蒲原郡弥彦村弥彦2887-2

Access

Yahiko Station (JR Yahiko Line)

15 min walk

Hours

24 hours (shrine office: 8:30-16:00)

Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team

What is Yahiko Shrine?

Yahiko Shrine stands at the foot of Mount Yahiko (634m) on the western edge of the Echigo Plain. As the first-ranked shrine of Echigo Province, it has served as the spiritual anchor of the Niigata region for over a millennium. The enshrined deity, Ame-no-Kagoyama-no-Mikoto, is revered as a great-great-grandchild of Amaterasu who is said to have taught the people of Echigo the arts of agriculture, fishing, and salt-making.

Where is Yahiko Shrine located?

Yahiko Shrine is located in Nishikanbara-gun, Yahiko-mura, Niigata. The full address is: 2887-2 Yahiko, Yahiko-mura, Nishikanbara-gun, Niigata.

What deities are enshrined at Yahiko Shrine?

The enshrined deities are: ame no kagoyama no mikoto.