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Shiwahiko Shrine, Shiogama Shrine

The most prestigious shrine in Mutsu Province, revered since time immemorial.

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Shiogama Shrine is the most prestigious shrine in Mutsu Province, located on a hill overlooking Shiogama Bay.
Although the date of its foundation is unknown, it is known that the shrine had been worshiped since before the Nara period (710-794) based on descriptions in early Heian period (794-1185) documents.
In 2002, the main shrine building, the hall of worship, the four-legged gate (Karamon), and many other structures were designated as National Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
The shrine is composed of two separate shrines, called the "left and right palace worship pavilions," and enshrines the main deity Shiotsuchinooji in the separate shrine, Takemikazuchinokami in the left shrine, and Futsunushinokami in the right shrine.
In addition to the architecture, the Yaezakura cherry tree, called Shiogama-zakura, is also a highlight of the shrine. This historic tree was mentioned in a waka poem by Emperor Horikawa and is used in the shrine's crest.

Shiwahiko Shrine has a long history and is mentioned in the Engi-shiki (detailed enforcement regulations of the Ritsuryo codes) as a large shrine. The shrine was relocated from the Iwakiri district of Sendai City to the premises of Shiogama Shrine during the Meiji period (1868-1912). From outside the shrine gate, a panoramic view of Shiogama Bay, called Chiganoura , stretching beyond the town, can be seen.

The Shiogama Minato Festival , held on the third Monday of July, is one of the largest festivals in the Tohoku region, with the portable shrines of both Shiwahiko Shrine and Shiogama Shrine parading through the city and the sea. Visitors can watch the excitement of carrying the mikoshi, which weighs approximately one ton, and the gorgeous parade on land that enlivens the entire town.

Highlights

  • You can receive spiritual blessings from the most prestigious shrine in Mutsu Province.
  • From the hill where the shrine is located, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Shiogama Bay.
  • The Shiogama Minato Festival brings the whole town to life.

Photos

  • Karamon gate and corridor of Shiogama Shrine. Left and right shrine pavilions can be seen in the back.

    Karamon gate and corridor of Shiogama Shrine. Left and right shrine pavilions can be seen in the back.

  • Shiogama cherry blossoms on the sacred tree, which are at their best around the end of April.

    Shiogama cherry blossoms on the sacred tree, which are at their best around the end of April.

  • The impressive tower gate

    The impressive tower gate

  • The shrine is at the top of 202 steps.

    The shrine is at the top of 202 steps.

  • The Shiogama Minato Festival

    The Shiogama Minato Festival

Reviews

1
  • Alvin 陳

    雖然要爬一小段階梯,可以看到大海景觀很好。

Details

Name in Japanese
志波彦神社・鹽竈神社
Postal Code
985-8510
Address
1-1 Ichimoriyama, Shiogama City, Miyagi
Telephone
022-367-1611
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
5:00am-6:00pm
(November to February: 5:00am-5:00pm)
Admission
Museum: 200 yen for adults, 150 yen for junior and senior high school students, 80 yen for elementary school students
Directions
1) Approx. 7 minutes on foot from JR Honshiogama Station
2) Approx. 10 minutes by car from the Rifunaka Interchange on the Sanriku Expressway
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)