Samukawa Shrine [Kanagawa]

【Overview of Samukawa Shrine】

While the exact founding date of Samukawa Shrine is unknown, records show that offerings were made to the shrine by Emperor Yuryaku during his reign (457–479 AD). This implies the shrine already existed by 457 AD, giving it a history of at least 1,600 years. Throughout the centuries, it has been a site of profound devotion for the Imperial Court, legendary warlords like Minamoto no Yoritomo and Takeda Shingen, the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the common people alike.

Today, it is renowned as the only shrine in Japan dedicated to Happo-yoke (protection against misfortune from all directions). It attracts approximately 2 million visitors annually. In Kanagawa Prefecture, its New Year’s attendance is second only to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura. Remarkably, it is also said to have the highest number of formal indoor prayers (shoden-kito) in all of Japan.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine [Kanagawa]

Furthermore, it holds the prestigious title of Ichinomiya (the highest-ranking shrine) of the former Sagami Province (modern-day Kanagawa) and is one of the “Six Shrines of Sagami.”

【What are the Six Shrines of Sagami？】

The “Sagami Rokusha” is a collective term for the six major shrines of the former Sagami Province. They consist of:

Ichinomiya (1st): Samukawa Shrine

Ninomiya (2nd): Kawawa Shrine

Sannomiya (3rd): Hibita Shrine

Shinomiya (4th): Sakatori Shrine

Gonomiya (5th): Hiratsuka Hachimangu

Rokunomiya (6th): Rokusho Shrine

Sakitori Shrine [Kanagawa]

Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine [Kanagawa]

The enshrined deities are Samukawahiko-no-mikoto and Samukawahime-no-mikoto.

*While these two deities do not appear in the Kojiki or Nihon Shoki (Japan’s oldest chronicles), they have long commanded great reverence. One theory suggests they were originally the tutelary deities of the “Sagamu no Kuni no Miyatsuko,” a powerful clan that ruled the region east of the Sagami River in ancient times.

【Samukawa Shrine: The Approach (Sando)】

The approach begins at the First Torii Gate, located about 1km south of the main grounds. It continues through the Second Torii (the Great Gate) and finally to the Third Torii at the entrance to the sanctuary.

【Samukawa Shrine: Shinmon Gate】

Large Guardian Lions (Komainu) sit majestically before the Shinmon Gate.

Beyond the gate, the spacious grounds and the elaborate Main Hall come into view.

【Samukawa Shrine: Main Hall (Shaden)】

The precinct is expansive and beautiful, featuring a wide and magnificent Main Hall. While the current buildings are modern, they possess a grand presence.

Two sacred cedar trees stand nearby; they are said to be inhabited by the deities Samukawahiko and Samukawahime.

Interestingly, parts of the former Edo-period and Meiji-period buildings were relocated to Kurami Shrine in the same town.

【Samukawa Shrine: The Armillary Sphere (Kontengi)】

To the right of the Worship Hall is a replica of an Armillary Sphere, an ancient astronomical instrument. Following the legend that dragons support the heavens, four dragons are placed at the corners, and the base serves as a compass rose.

【Samukawa Shrine: The Ley Line】

Samukawa Shrine is famous as a “Power Spot” because it sits on a Ley Line.

On the Summer and Winter Solstices, as well as the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes, the sun passes directly over the shrine. Additionally, since the shrine faces southwest to protect the “Ura-Kimon” (Back Demon Gate) of Edo (Tokyo), it likely played a protective role for the Kanto region when viewed from western Japan.

【Samukawa Shrine: Miyayama Shrine (Subsidiary Shrine)】

This shrine consolidates eight smaller local shrines and offers blessings for family prosperity, safety, health, and bountiful harvests. A unique tradition holds that offering white tofu here while praying will bless mothers with an abundance of breast milk.

【Samukawa Shrine Goshuin】

【Tourist Spots Near Samukawa Shrine】

Sakatori Shrine, Kurami Shrine, Hiratsuka Hachimangu.

Sakitori Shrine [Kanagawa]

Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine [Kanagawa]

【Samukawa Shrine: Access】

Admin’s Impressions

With over 1,600 years of history, Samukawa Shrine commands immense respect as Japan’s only protector against directional misfortune (Happo-yoke). The grounds are impeccably maintained, and there is a certain “functional beauty” in how efficiently the space is managed to accommodate so many worshippers. The air felt incredibly fresh and pure, as if my soul was being cleansed. As one of Kanagawa’s premier power spots, it’s a place I highly recommend visiting.

I visited strictly for worship this time, as I was admittedly daunted by the massive queue for formal prayers. I really want to visit the Kantake-yama Shin-en (inner garden), which is only accessible to those who have received a formal prayer, so I’ll have to try again another time!

Scale

 (4.5)

Accessibility

 (5)

History / Origins

 (5)

Nature / Scenery

 (4)

Quietness

 (2)

Goshuin Variety

 (3)

Samukawa Shrine Address

3916 Miyayama, Samukawa-machi, Koza-gun, Kanagawa 253-0106

*Note: Free parking is available, but it fills up very quickly and causes traffic jams. It’s often more efficient to use a nearby paid lot rather than waiting.

About a 5-minute walk from Miyayama Station (JR Sagami Line).

参考

寒川神社

寒川神社公式サイト

関連投稿(Related Posts):

Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine [Kanagawa] Sakitori Shrine [Kanagawa] Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine [Kanagawa] Enoshima Shrine [Kanagawa]