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Samukawa Shrine (Samukawa, Kanagawa)

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Summary

Samukawa Shrine (寒川神社) is the Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Sagami Province and one of Japan’s leading shrines for Happo-yoke (八方除) — protection from misfortune coming from all directions. With a history of around 1,600 years, it has been revered by court nobles, samurai such as Minamoto no Yoritomo and Takeda Shingen, and the Tokugawa family.

The shrine stands in a calm, green setting near the Sagami River. Within the grounds, worshippers find a dignified main sanctuary, broad approaches, and a sacred garden connected to the shrine’s origins.

Main worship hall (haiden) of Samukawa Shrine in Kanagawa, Japan
Worship hall (haiden) of Samukawa Shrine

Key Facts

  • Province: Sagami (historical province); the Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Sagami.
  • Enshrined Deities: Samukawahiko no Mikoto (寒川比古命) and Samukawahime no Mikoto (寒川比女命), revered together as Samukawa Daimyojin.
  • Founded / Legend: Tradition links the shrine to the era of Emperor Yuryaku (5th century); shrine buildings are recorded in 727 (Jinki 4).
  • Main Feature: Happo-yoke — protection from misfortune related to directions, geography, timing, and life’s turning points.
  • Architecture: Main sanctuary complex in a modern nagare-zukuri style, rebuilt with hinoki and copper roofs in the late 20th century.

Ichinomiya Status in Sagami (Quick Note)

Samukawa Shrine is recognized as the official Ichinomiya (chief shrine) of Sagami Province. During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), when Kamakura became Japan’s political center, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu also came to be regarded as an Ichinomiya of Sagami due to its close ties with the shogunate. Today, both shrines are respected as Ichinomiya in their own historical contexts.

History in Brief

Samukawa Shrine appears in early records as a major shrine of Sagami, with offerings made during the reign of Emperor Yuryaku and shrine construction noted in 727. In the Heian period it was listed as the only Myojin Taisha of Sagami, and later, as the Ichinomiya of the province. Through the medieval era, powerful clans such as the Minamoto, Hojo, Takeda, and Tokugawa relied on its protection. The shrine’s unique role as a guardian of Happo-yoke developed over time, connecting concerns about directions, land, and timing with faith in the kami. Today, worshippers visit from all over Japan to receive prayers for life decisions, new homes, moves, business, travel, and safe daily life.

Enshrined Deities

Samukawahiko no Mikoto and Samukawahime no Mikoto are enshrined together as Samukawa Daimyojin, guardians who preside over Happo-yoke. Their divine virtue is described as weakening dangers, turning them harmless, and drawing out good fortune, like a compass guiding people toward the right direction. These deities are unique to Samukawa Shrine and are not enshrined elsewhere in Japan.

Etiquette

Please keep these simple manners in mind when visiting the shrine.

  • Purify your hands and mouth at the temizuya (手水舎).
  • Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once (ni-rei ni-hakushu ichi-rei).
  • Keep quiet around the honden (本殿, main sanctuary).
  • Please refrain from eating, drinking, and smoking within the shrine grounds.
  • Aerial drones are strictly prohibited.
  • Please be mindful when taking photos, as some areas may be sacred.

Visitor Tips

Bronze Kontenki monument with dragon figures at Samukawa Shrine, representing the shrine’s Happo-yoke (protection from all directions)
Kontenki monument at Samukawa Shrine
  • The bronze celestial sphere Kontenki before the worship hall symbolizes the harmony of heaven and earth and the power of Happo-yoke (eight-direction protection).
  • A pair of sacred trees beside the main hall are believed to embody the shrine’s deities.
  • Miyayama Shrine, an auxiliary shrine across the street, enshrines seven local deities and remains revered for family safety and good fortune.
  • Kantakeyama Shinen is a sacred garden connected to the shrine’s origins. At its center lies a divine spring, considered the spiritual source of Samukawa Shrine. The garden is open mainly from spring to early winter for those who have received a prayer service.

Photography may be restricted near sacred areas. Please follow on-site signs.

Omamori (Amulets)

Common omamori (お守り) for protection, traffic safety, good fortune, and family well-being are typically ¥500–¥1,500. Offerings are made as hatsuhoryo (初穂料). Shrine offices usually accept cash only.

A signature item of Samukawa Shrine is the Happo-yoke omamori, reflecting the shrine’s role as a guardian against misfortune from all directions.

You can find details on the shrine’s official page: Amulets Page ↗

Festivals

Samukawa Shrine hosts many rituals through the year. The three below are especially important and well known.

  • Reitaisai (例大祭): September 19–20 — the grand annual festival. On the 19th, Yabusame (horseback archery) is dedicated for peace and good harvest. On the 20th, solemn rites and offerings are held.
  • Hamaori-sai (浜降祭): Marine Day in July — a dawn seaside festival at Chigasaki Beach where mikoshi from Samukawa Shrine and local shrines enter the ocean for purification.
  • Konomachi / Kokufu-sai (國府祭): May — a historic joint festival of six old shrines of Sagami. Held in Oiso, it includes the traditional Zamondo ritual, recalling debates over shrine rank.

Konomachi and the Six Shrines of Sagami

The Konomachi Festival (Sagami Kokufu-sai), held annually on May 5, is one of Kanagawa’s oldest ritual gatherings and is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Held in Oiso Town, it reenacts the ancient meeting of the six shrines that once safeguarded the province of Sagami.

The festival reflects the ancient custom in which provincial governors visited each shrine to pray for peace and good harvests. A symbolic dialogue (za-mondo) between Samukawa and Kawawa Shrines recalls their historic rivalry for the title of Ichinomiya.

Today, visiting these six shrines in sequence is known as the Sagami Kokufu-sai Rokusha Meguri (六社巡り) — a pilgrimage route tracing the footsteps of this ancient tradition.

Konomachi (Sagami Kokufu-sai) Rokusha Meguri

A traditional pilgrimage route linking six historic shrines once associated with the provincial rituals of ancient Sagami.

How to Visit & Access

Samukawa Shrine is located in Samukawa-machi, central Kanagawa, near the Sagami River. It is easy to include in a day trip from Tokyo or Yokohama.

From JR Miyayama Station (Sagami Line), walk about 5 minutes along the approach to reach the main torii and shrine grounds.

Travel times are approximate and may vary by schedule. Hours may change by season and events.

Nearby

  • Kawawa Jinja — historic shrine regarded as the Second Shrine (Ninomiya) of Sagami. Official Site (English) ↗
  • Kamakura — historic capital known for temples and shrines, about 40 minutes by train.
  • Enoshima — coastal island with shrines and ocean views, less than an hour away.
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