Sakitori Shrine [Kanagawa]

【Overview of Sakitori Shrine】

The exact year of Sakitori Shrine’s founding is unknown. However, its name is recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (a registry of prominent shrines across the country compiled between 901 and 923). According to local legend, it is believed to have been founded in 368 (the 56th year of Emperor Nintoku’s reign).

The shrine’s origins are said to be tied to Uji no Wakiiratsuko no Mikoto, a son of Emperor Ojin and the half-brother of Emperor Nintoku. Although he was first chosen as the Crown Prince, he yielded the throne to Emperor Nintoku, moved from Uji to this area, and lived out his days here. It is said that his descendants enshrined him, which marked the beginning of this shrine.

Today, it serves as the Shinomiya (the 4th 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 (Note: Sakatori is an alternate reading of Sakitori)

Gonomiya (5th): Hiratsuka Hachimangu

Rokunomiya (6th): Rokusho Shrine

Samukawa Shrine [Kanagawa]

Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine [Kanagawa]

The enshrined deities are Uji no Wakiiratsuko no Mikoto, Oyamakui no Mikoto, and Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.

【Sakitori Shrine: Approach (Sando)】

The shrine grounds begin past the Second Torii Gate, surrounded by magnificent giant trees. The approach is a long, straight path lined with cherry trees, which must offer a spectacular view in the spring.

【Sakitori Shrine: Belfry (Shoro)】

Along the approach, I found a belfry dating back to 1790 (the 2nd year of the Kansei era). This is likely a remnant of Shinbutsu-shugo (the historical syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism). Anyone is allowed to ring the bell, so I gave it a try, and it produced a beautifully resonant sound.

【Sakitori Shrine: Main Hall (Shaden)】

First-time visitors might misread the name, but the characters 前鳥 are read as “Sakitori.” The plaque on the Worship Hall was written as “左喜登利” (also read as Sakitori).
*Up until the Edo period, various kanji combinations such as 左喜登利, 埼取, and 前取 were used phonetically for the name, but today, based on the ancient Engishiki registry, the characters 前鳥 are officially used.

【Sakitori Shrine: The Pine of Happiness (Shiawase no Matsu)】

To the right of the Worship Hall stands a splendid pine tree known as the “Pine of Happiness.” Rarely, you can find a cluster of pine needles with four blades instead of the usual number. It is said that finding and keeping these four-leaf pine needles brings good fortune.

【Sakitori Shrine: Godo Shrine (Subsidiary Shrine)】

Godo Shrine enshrines Susanoo no Mikoto and Amaterasu Omikami. It features the Shinmei-zukuri architectural style, similar to the grand Ise Jingu.

【Sakitori Shrine: Shogaku Shrine (Subsidiary Shrine)】

Shogaku Shrine enshrines Sugawara no Michizane (the deity of scholarship).

Lord Sugawara no Michizane deeply loved plum blossoms. When he was unjustly demoted and exiled, he famously composed a poem to bid farewell to his beloved plum tree:
“When the east wind blows, send your fragrance to me, plum blossoms. Even though your master is gone, do not forget the spring.”
This is the reason why shrines dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane are almost always filled with plum trees.

【Sakitori Shrine Goshuin】

【Tourist Spots Near Sakitori Shrine】

Samukawa Shrine, Hiratsuka Hachimangu.

Samukawa Shrine [Kanagawa]

Hiratsuka Hachimangu Shrine [Kanagawa]

【Sakitori Shrine: Access】

Admin’s Impressions

When I visited Samukawa Shrine, I decided to stop by this nearby shrine as well. The grounds have a spacious parking lot, making it very accessible for visitors traveling from afar. I felt it was a wonderful shrine that is clearly deeply revered by the local community. It’s also fascinating that because the three sub-shrines here enshrine different deities, the architectural styles of their buildings vary as well. Since it is relatively close to Samukawa Shrine, I highly recommend visiting both together.

Scale

 (3.5)

Accessibility

 (1.5)

History / Origins

 (4)

Nature / Scenery

 (4)

Quietness

 (4)

Goshuin Variety

 (4)

Sakitori Shrine Address

4-14-26 Shinomiya, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa 254-0014

*Note: Free parking is available.

About a 15-minute drive from Hiratsuka Station (JR Tokaido Line).

参考

前鳥神社

関連投稿(Related Posts):

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