ABOUT
About this spot
Nagata Shrine is an old shrine in Nagata Ward, Kobe, affectionately called "Nagata-san" by locals. Its main deity is Kotoshironushi-no-kami, and Amaterasu and Emperor Ojin are also enshrined. According to the Nihon Shoki, Empress Jingu founded the shrine in the year 201 after a divine oracle told her to enshrine the deity in the land of Nagata. It was ranked as a Myojin Taisha in the Engishiki. The 1995 Great Hanshin earthquake caused major damage, but the main hall survived and restoration was completed in 2000. The shrine's best-known event is the ancient-style tsuina ritual held every year on February 3 at Setsubun. There is no bean throwing; instead, seven oni, regarded as messengers of the gods, perform a ritual on stage with torches. The ritual is a Hyogo Prefectural Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property and begins at 14:00. The shrine is about 500 m north of Nagata Station, and nearby sights include Nankinmachi and Kobe Port Tower.
Last updated October 25, 2026