Shinmei shrine; shrine dedicated to Amaterasu
A type of Shinto shrine, especially those established after the Heian period, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Often found in place names.
Several old Shinmei shrines remain in this area.
Shinmei shrines enshrine Amaterasu Ōmikami.
The sun goddess enshrined in Shinmei shrines.
神明 (Shinmei, referring to Amaterasu) + 社 (shrine). The term became common after the Heian period for shrines dedicated to Amaterasu.