Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America, also sometimes known as Tsubaki America Jinja or in Japanese as amerika tsubaki ōkamiyashiro (アメリカ椿大神社), was the first Shinto shrine built in the mainland United States after World War II. It was erected in 1986 in Stockton, California, and moved to its location next to the Pilchuck River in Granite Falls, Washington, in 2001.

Gosaijin (enshrined Kami/Spirits) of Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America were Sarutahiko-no-Ōkami, ancestor of all earthly Kami and Kami of progressing positively in harmony with Divine Nature; and his wife Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, Kami of arts and entertainment, harmony, meditation and joy. Also enshrined were Amaterasu Ōmikami (Kami of the Sun), Ugamitama-no-Ōkami (Kami of foodstuffs and things to sustain human life/Oinarisama), America Kokudo Kunitama-no-Kami (protector of the North America Continent) and Ama-no-Murakumo-Kuki-Samuhara-Ryu-O (Kami of Aikido).

Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America was a branch of Tsubaki Ōkami Yashiro, one of the oldest and most notable shrines in Japan. The Guji (Head Priest) was Rev. Koichi Barrish, the first non-Japanese priest in Shinto history. The Board of Directors closed the shrine in 2023.

The Kami have been moved to Shin Mei Jinja at Shin Mei Spiritual Centre on Knapp Island, B.C., Canada, which is currently the North American branch of Tsubaki Grand Shrine of Suzuka, Japan.

Gallery

See also

• Misogi
• List of Shinto shrines in the United States

References

External links

• Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America
• Tsubaki Ōkami Yashiro in Mie Prefecture, Japan