Samukawa Jinja Shrine is one of the most prestigious, thus popular shrines in Kanagawa prefecture having over 1500 years of history, and continuing to attract people from not only Kanagawa, but also all over Japan. It is because Samukawa Jinja Shrine is considered to be one of a kind, as this is the only shrine offering prayers to the Happo-yoke. These prayers are said to remove bad fortune, and prevent negative energies from entering a person’s life, bringing them happiness.
Make A Visit To Samukawa Jinja Shrine
Samukawa Jinja Shrine is one of the top 5 most popular shrines in Kanagawa prefecture. It is only a 5 minute walk from the nearest station, Miyama Station on Sagami Line, where many people visit the shrine for the New Year and many other traditional Japanese celebrations. Since it is one of the most prestigious shrines in the prefecture, the shrine is magnificent in scale, attracting people from all over Kanagawa, and also Japan.
The accessibility to the shrine is convenient both by train and car. If you decide to make a visit from Tokyo, you can take the JR Tokaido Line to Chigasaki Station and then transfer to the Sagami Line and get off at Miyama Station. There is ample parking space available for the shrine so you can make a visit by car as well. In addition, for those who make a visit to the shrine, there is a restaurant located on the premises and also in the surrounding area.
Impressive Architecture
The architecture of Samukawa Jinja Shrine is magnificent. Like many other shrines and temples found in Japan, there is an abundance of plant life existing in the vicinity of the shrine that is greatly cared for and maintained regularly. Samukawa Jinja Shrine, being a significant place of worship for the people of Sagami throughout the past 1500 years, the beauty and magnificence of the shrine is understandable.
The history of Samukawa Jinja Shrine dates back to the 8th century, and enshrines the prince and princess, Samukawa-hiko-no-Mikoto and Samukawa-hime-no-Mikoto.It is the only kind of shrine in Japan that performs the Happo-yoke prayers. These Happo-yoke are thought to be the guardians of the 8 directions, and are said to protect against evil while preventing numerous disasters from entering into one’s life.
Find Artwork From Aomori, Nebuta
As you walk into the shrine, you will soon see an impressive Nebuta decoration. Nebuta is a famous summer festival in Aomori, located up north in Tohoku region, and the decoration you see is an impressive paper art design from one of the previous Nebuta festivals. These have now become a tradition for celebrating the New Year at Samukawa Jinja Shrine over the last 16 years.
For 2016, Nebuta artist Renmei Kitamura created an impressive work of art titled “Umisachi&yamasachi.” Renmei Kitamura wishes for people to have a peaceful and happy year ahead by helping each other to overcome any hardships in the matters of love through this art.
Pray for success in the entertainment business
Samukawa Jinja Shrine is popular for a particular group of people who work in the entertainment business. For those currently working, or aspiring to work in this field, they are encouraged to visit the pond found right at the torii gate. It is said that if you visit the pond and walk the bridge upon entering the shrine, good fortune, and success will come to you. Many Japanese working in the entertainment industry, like television producers and stage performers, make a visit before their big show to wish for success. It is a small section of the shrine, a little hidden, where you’ll find it is calming and relaxing, as you can watch the koi fish swimming in the pond.
Samukawa Jinja Shrine as the place of worship
The popularity and the importance of Samukawa Jinja Shrine can be understood by those who visit from all over Japan. Because it is the only kind of shrine, Samukawa Jinja Shrine even allows those who are far away, or sick and cannot visit the shrine in person, to pray via letters. For any misfortune or bad luck, Samukawa Jinja Shrine is ready to greet anyone with open arms. The shrine also holds many festivals all year round, so if you are in town when these festivals are held, you might want to make a visit. For those not sure which festival to attend, there is always a festival on the 1st of the month that starts from 8:30am lasting for about 40 minutes, except on New Year’s Day.
History
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