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Susanoo-no-Mikoto: The Storm God of Japanese Mythology
Susanoo-no-Mikoto is a multifaceted deity governing storms, seas, agriculture, and disease. Known as the hero who slew the Yamata-no-Orochi serpent and later venerated as Gozu Tenno, his shrines span the nation.
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Author
Hijiri
| Shrines & Temples
Contents
MOKUJI
一
The Many Faces of Susanoo-no-Mikoto
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二
Yasaka Shrine and Tsushima Shrine: A Comparison
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三
The Legend of Yamata-no-Orochi
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四
Major Susanoo Shrines
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五
Frequently Asked Questions
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六
Summary
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Yasaka Shrine haiden — the celebrated Kyoto shrine dedicated to Susanoo and home of the Gion Festival
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Susanoo-no-Mikoto is the multifaceted deity of storms, seas, agriculture, and pestilence in Japanese mythology. As the younger brother of Amaterasu, he was banished from the heavens yet descended to Izumo to become a heroic figure. He is enshrined at Yasaka Shrine—home of the Gion Festival—and remains one of the most widely venerated deities across Japan.
The Many Faces of Susanoo-no-Mikoto
God of Storms and Sea
The name “Susanoo” is thought to derive from the word for raging weather. According to the Kojiki, he wept inconsolably for his late mother Izanami after being ordered to rule the seas, until he was finally expelled from the heavens.
God of Rice and Agriculture
After his descent to Izumo, Susanoo slew the great serpent Yamata-no-Orochi and married Kushinadahime. The poem Susanoo composed after their marriage is considered the oldest waka verse in Japan.
Kushinadahime — the rice goddess who wed Susanoo after the defeat of Yamata-no-Orochi
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Protector Against Pestilence and the Gozu Tenno Faith
His syncretization with Gozu Tenno made him a central figure in plague-warding rituals throughout the Heian period.
Yasaka Shrine and Tsushima Shrine: A Comparison
Yamaboko Junko float procession at the Gion Festival — rooted in plague-warding prayers to Susanoo
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Item
Yasaka Shrine (Kyoto)
Tsushima Shrine (Aichi)
Principal Deity
Takehaya Susanoo-no-Mikoto
Takehaya Susanoo-no-Mikoto
Syncretic Name
Gozu Tenno
Tsushima Gozu Tenno
Major Festival
Gion Matsuri (July)
Tenno Festival (July)
Blessings
Plague prevention, matchmaking
Plague prevention, safe voyage
The Gion Matsuri at Yasaka Shrine traces its roots to 869 when rituals were held to appease epidemic-spreading spirits.
The Legend of Yamata-no-Orochi
Yamata-no-Orochi — the eight-headed serpent of Japanese mythology, slain by Susanoo using sake
Wikimedia Commons / Public Domain
Descent to Izumo and Meeting Kushinadahime
Expelled from the heavens, Susanoo descended to the upper Hi River in Izumo Province. There he met an elderly couple and their daughter Kushinadahime, who was to be devoured by the eight-headed serpent.
Slaying the Serpent and the Discovery of the Sword
Susanoo prepared eight vats of sake, the serpent drank deeply and fell asleep, and Susanoo cut it down. Within its tail he discovered the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi (later Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi), one of the Three Imperial Treasures. Susa Shrine is said to be where his spirit permanently resides.
Susa Shrine in Izumo, Shimane — the sacred shrine on the land Susanoo named after himself
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
Connection to Izumo Taisha
The descendants of Susanoo and Kushinadahime eventually include Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, enshrined at Izumo Taisha as the god of matchmaking.
Major Susanoo Shrines
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine — Kanto’s most prominent Susanoo shrine, over 2,000 years old, enshrining Susanoo, Kushinadahime, and Okuninushi.
Tsushima Shrine — Head shrine of approximately 3,000 Tsushima shrines. Its Tenno Festival is a national Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.
Susa Shrine — In Shimane Prefecture, stands on the land Susanoo named after himself. The 1,300-year-old cedar is a highlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Susanoo-no-Mikoto?
A major deity governing storms, seas, agriculture, and disease. As Amaterasu’s younger sibling, he was banished and descended to Izumo, where he became a heroic figure. Widely enshrined at Yasaka Shrine, Tsushima Shrine, Hikawa Shrine, and many others.
Where did the Yamata-no-Orochi battle take place?
Along the upper Hi River in Izumo Province, present-day Shimane Prefecture. The area around Susa Shrine in Izumo City is traditionally regarded as the land Susanoo named and settled.
What is the connection between the Gion Festival and Susanoo?
The Gion Festival originated in 869 as a ritual to appease disease-spreading spirits. Now held at Yasaka Shrine, it has grown into one of Japan’s grandest summer festivals.
What is Gozu Tenno?
A Buddhist protective deity that became syncretized with Susanoo during Japan’s period of religious blending. The Meiji government’s separation of Buddhism and Shinto in 1868 required shrines to revert to Susanoo’s Shinto name.
Summary
Pilgrimage Tips
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Visit Yasaka Shrine during the Gion Matsuri in July for the most vibrant festival experience
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Tsushima Shrine’s Tenno Festival (third weekend of July) is best experienced in the evening
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The 2.4-km approach to Hikawa Shrine is most peaceful in early morning
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At Susa Shrine, the ancient cedar (reportedly 1,300+ years old) is a highlight not to be missed
Related Spots
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Yasaka Shrine — Home of the Gion Festival and center of Gozu Tenno syncretism
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Tsushima Shrine — Head shrine of 3,000 Tsushima shrines; famed for the Tenno Festival
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Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine — The great Susanoo shrine of the Kanto region
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Susa Shrine — Where Susanoo’s spirit rests in the land of Izumo mythology
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Izumo Taisha — Grand Shrine of Okuninushi, descendant of Susanoo
Last updated: May 25, 2026
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Author
Hijiri（ひじり）
Shrines & Temples
Toku editorial team — shrines and temples. Former designer who reads temple architecture and gardens through an aesthetic lens, quietly tracing the lineages of sects and doctrines.
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