Isotakeru no Kami
五十猛神
God of trees, forests, and timber; son of Susanoo who brought tree seeds from Korea to plant across Japan
About
Isotakeru is a son of Susanoo who accompanied his father when Susanoo descended to the Silla region of Korea. He brought the seeds of countless trees, and though he did not plant them in Korea, he brought them back to Japan and scattered them across the islands, covering the country in forest. He is thus revered as the deity who created Japan's forested landscape.
He is enshrined at Itakiso Jinja (Wakayama), one of Wakayama Prefecture's most important shrines, and at other forest-related sites. His name is also read as 'Itsutakeru' or 'Itakeru,' and he is sometimes called Ōyabiko no Kami (Great House Father). The timber and forestry industries venerate him as their patron.
Family Relationships
Parents
Shrines Dedicated to This Deity
| Shrine | Prefecture | Network Role |
|---|---|---|
| Watatsu Shrine 度津神社 | Niigata | |
| Kinomiya Shrine 来宮神社 | Shizuoka | |
| Itakiso Shrine 伊太祁曽神社 | Wakayama |
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
Who is Isotakeru no Kami in Japanese mythology?
Isotakeru no Kami (五十猛神) is God of trees, forests, and timber; son of Susanoo who brought tree seeds from Korea to plant across Japan. This deity appears in Kojiki & Nihon Shoki and is enshrined at 3 shrines across Japan.
What shrines are dedicated to Isotakeru no Kami?
There are 3 shrines in our database dedicated to Isotakeru no Kami, including Watatsu Shrine, Kinomiya Shrine, Itakiso Shrine.
What myths involve Isotakeru no Kami?
Isotakeru no Kami appears in myths from Kojiki & Nihon Shoki. The deity is known as God of trees, forests, and timber; son of Susanoo who brought tree seeds from Korea to plant across Japan.