Sanbaineikazuchi Jinja (三把稲雷神社)

Sanbaineikazuchi Jinja's torii

Sando

In front of AEON Mall Tsukuba lies a small forest that is home to a Shinto shrine called Sanbaineikazuchi Jinja (三把稲雷神社). The shrine enshrines the kami (deity) Oikazuchi-no-kami (大雷神), literally meaning the "Great Thunder God," who has been worshipped as a guardian deity of the region's agricultural produce and the safety of its residents. Until around 1955, rainmaking rituals were performed during periods of prolonged drought.

The exact founding date of the shrine is unknown. Historical records show that the shrine buildings were rebuilt in 1590, 1738, 1886, and again in 1933 after being destroyed by a typhoon. The most recent reconstruction was completed in 2005, funded in part by the sale of 12 ares of shrine land for the construction of the Ushiku–Tsuchiura Bypass of National Route 6.

Sanbaineikazuchi Jinja

Subordinate Shrines

Surrounding the shrine building are small stone shrines dedicated to Uraijin (雨雷神), the "Rain and Thunder God," Furaijin (風雷神), the "Wind and Thunder God," and Hososhin (疱瘡神), the "Smallpox God."

Two additional subordinate shrines stand along the sando (pathway).

Next to the torii (shrine gate) is a small hall housing stone statues of Fudo Myoo and Daishi.