Sakitama Shrine [Saitama]

【Overview of Sakitama Shrine】

Sakitama Shrine (Sakitama-jinja) is an ancient shrine located in Gyoda City, Saitama Prefecture, with a history spanning over a thousand years, and is recognized as the birthplace of the prefecture’s name, “Saitama.” The shrine buildings are constructed atop an ancient burial mound (kofun) called Sengenzuka, located within the Sakitama Kofun Cluster.

【Origins and History of Sakitama Shrine】

Although the exact date of its founding is unknown, inscriptions on an iron sword excavated from the Inariyama Kofun reveal that the authority of the Yamato Imperial Court already reached this region in the late 5th century. Consequently, it is estimated to date back to the Kofun period (late 400s to early 500s), over a century earlier than the Taika Reform (645). It is believed to have begun when local ruling families and chieftains of Northern Musashi Province, who built the neighboring Sakitama Kofun Cluster, enshrined deities here as guardian gods (Kunitsukami) to protect the burial mounds. As a remnant of ancient worship practices, the shrine buildings face the surrounding burial mounds as if offering prayers toward them.

The primary enshrined deities are Sakitamahiko no Mikoto and Sakitamahime no Mikoto.

【Sacred Tree of Sakitama Shrine】

Standing at the entrance of the shrine approach, the sacred Inumaki (yew plum pine) tree boasts an estimated age of around 600 years and a height of approximately 20 meters, making it the largest Inumaki tree in Saitama Prefecture. Tradition holds that it was dedicated and planted by followers of the “Mitakesan Faith,” which was popular from the Edo to Meiji periods.

At the center of its trunk is a large hollow formed over centuries, inside of which a stone monument dedicated to “Kiso Mitake Shrine” was enshrined, completely encased by the tree. It was designated as a Natural Monument by Gyoda City in 1964.

【Torii Gate of Sakitama Shrine】

The “Ichi-no-Torii” (First Torii Gate) standing at the entrance to the approach is a historic stone gate built in 1676 (Enpo 4) during the early Edo period, designated as a Tangible Cultural Property (Structure) by Gyoda City in 1999.

The stone tablet (hengaku) mounted at the center of the torii is engraved with the characters for “Mount Fuji” (富士山). This is believed to be a remnant from the Edo period when the shrine, situated atop the Sengenzuka Kofun, was affectionately known as “Sengen Shrine” (a faith honoring Mount Fuji as a sacred object of worship).

【Wind Chime Approach of Sakitama Shrine】

Wooden wind chime racks are installed along the approach path, filling the air with a soothing, refreshing melody whenever the breeze blows through. Since ancient times, the sound of wind chimes has carried the symbolic meaning of warding off evil spirits and cleansing misfortune. Walking through this tunnel of wind chimes while praying for good health and protection during the remaining half of the year helps purify both mind and body while enduring the intense summer heat.

【Temizuya Purification Pavilion of Sakitama Shrine】

To bring peace and comfort to visitors, Gyoda City regularly hosts “Hana-Chozu Week” every month (mainly from the 1st to the 14th). The temizuya (purification pavilion) at Sakitama Shrine serves as one of the main venues, with seasonal flowers (such as early summer hydrangeas, roses, and carnations) floating abundantly in the water basin, gorgeously arranged according to a different theme each time.

【Kagura-den Sacred Dance Stage of Sakitama Shrine】

Along the approach path, the Kagura-den (Sacred Dance Stage) comes into view. Every summer (around late July to early August), a special event called “Shichisekigi” (Tanabata Ritual) takes place on this stage. At the time of my visit, the festival had just concluded, and clean-up preparations were underway.

【Chinowa Kuguri (Cogon Grass Ring Ritual)】

To cleanse away the sins and impurities unintentionally accumulated during the first half of the year (January to June) and to pray for health and safety during the second half, a chinowa (a large ring made of cogon grass) is installed every year from late June through July, extending into the Tanabata festival period in August.

【Sakitama Shrine Main Buildings】

Unusually in Japan, the worship hall (Haiden) and main sanctuary (Honden) stand atop the summit of Sengenzuka Kofun, a mound approximately 8.7 meters high. Sengenzuka Kofun is a large round burial mound (enfun) constructed in the early 7th century (the final phase of the Kofun period).

Because it remains a sacred shrine sanctuary (Goshintai) to this day, conducting large-scale archaeological excavations is difficult, leaving its true details protected as an ancient mystery.

Detailed three-dimensional carvings depicting powerful dragons, lions, and mountain hermits adorn the pillars and beams of the shrine structure in two tiers. These intricate designs crafted under the eaves are said to be the work of Ryoun Uchiyama, a master sculptor active during the Taisho era. Beautifully highlighting the natural wood grain, they further enhance the building’s solemn atmosphere.

【Sakitama Shrine Sub-Shrine: Sengen Shrine】

Between the Sengoku and Edo periods, it was relocated from within nearby Oshi Castle to its current position on Sengenzuka Kofun. During the pre-Meiji era of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, the main sanctuary at the top of the burial mound was called “Kami-no-Miya” (Upper Shrine) and Sengen Shrine halfway up the slope was called “Shimo-no-Miya” (Lower Shrine), revered together as a unified sacred site. It is cherished as a shrine for safe childbirth, child-rearing, and protection against fires.

The primary enshrined deity is Konohanasakuya-hime no Mikoto.

【Ryusen Pond of Sakitama Shrine】

Ryusen Pond (Ryusen-ike) is a mystical pond where a Dragon Deity (Ryujin), a water god, is enshrined. Since ancient times, it has been said that this pond holds the “power of the Dragon King to protect the natural and human worlds, and to cleanse away illness and disaster.”

The style of enshrining a Dragon Deity (water god) by the poolside shares deep commonalities with the myths and ritual culture of the Izumo region. Historical speculation suggests that Izumo clans who migrated to this area in ancient times may have begun worshipping this pond as a sacred site presiding over water. On select days such as weekends and national holidays, an artificial mist (“sea of clouds”) effect is produced as part of a local Gyoda City event.

【Sakitama Shrine Goshuin】

【Kanazawa Seika (Sweets Shop)】

Kanazawa Seika is a historic Japanese confectionery shop located right next to Sakitama Shrine (just outside the gate), founded in 1858 (Ansei 5). Boasting a history of over 150 years, it offers simple, nostalgic Japanese sweets crafted with domestic ingredients and traditional artisan handiwork. It is an extremely popular stopping point for visitors worshipping at Sakitama Shrine or touring the nearby Sakitama Kofun Cluster.

“Neko Monaka” (cat-shaped wafer sandwiches filled with red bean paste) is an immensely popular souvenir created after the resident mascot cats living at adjacent Sakitama Shrine. Since its release in late October 2020, word-of-mouth praise describing it as “too cute” has spread widely among cat-loving worshippers and tourists. *Note: The photo shows my own cat.

週末日帰りドライブ特集： 歴史ロマンとレトロ絶景を巡る「埼玉県行田市」ルート

Routes to Gyoda City are summarized below. We hope you find this helpful as a reference.

【Nearby Tourist Spots】

Sakitama Museum of the Sakitama Ancient Burial Mounds, Gyoda Tower, Vert Cafe (Former Oshi Town Credit Union Building), Gyoda Hachimangu Shrine, Oshi Castle Three-Story Yagura (Turret), Oshi Toshogu Shrine

さきたま史跡の博物館＆将軍山古墳【埼玉県】

Ancient Lotus Park & Gyoda Tower [Saitama]

ヴェールカフェ（旧忍町信用組合店舗）【埼玉県】

行田八幡神社【埼玉県】

忍城 御三階櫓【埼玉県】

忍東照宮と忍諏訪神社【埼玉県】

【Sakitama Shrine Access】

Admin’s Impressions

I visited Sakitama Shrine, a place steeped in over a thousand years of history and recognized as the birthplace of Saitama Prefecture’s name. Passing through the chinowa ring along the approach path—filled with vibrant seasonal hana-chozu and the echoing melodies of colorful wind chimes—my mind and spirit felt purified despite the summer heat. Ascending to the top of Sengenzuka Kofun, I was overwhelmed by the intricate Taisho-era wood carvings at the worship hall. It was a wonderful pilgrimage wrapped in ancient prayers and modern healing.

Scale

 (3)

Accessibility

 (1.5)

History / Origins

 (4.5)

Nature / Scenery

 (3.5)

Quietness

 (4.5)

Goshuin Variety

 (5)

Sakitama Shrine Address

5450 Saitama, Gyoda, Saitama 361-0025

*Free parking available.

Take the City Loop Bus (Sightseeing Spot Loop Route) from JR Takasaki Line “Gyoda Station” for approximately 15 minutes, and get off at “Sakitama-jinja-mae.”

Take the City Loop Bus (Sightseeing Spot Loop Route) from Chichibu Railway “Gyodashi Station” for approximately 21 minutes

Sakitama Shrine Official Website

参考

武蔵国・前玉神社（さきたまじんじゃ）

武蔵国・前玉神社（さきたまじんじゃ）