Hinomikosha is one of the five shrines of Togakushi Shrine, enshrining Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, the goddess of dance, performing arts, and romantic ties. Nestled quietly in a cedar forest between Hokosha and Chusha, this modest shrine draws performers, artists, and theater professionals seeking the goddess who coaxed Amaterasu from the heavenly cave through dance. It was also venerated by Takeda Sh…

The founding of Hinomikosha is traditionally dated to around 820 CE, during the early Heian period, when it was incorporated as one of the five shrines of Togakushi Shrine into the sacred precinct of Togakushi. The principal deity enshrined here is Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, the goddess who performed a…