Panduan
Samukawa Shrine, located in Samukawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a prestigious shrine known as the 'Ichinomiya' (first shrine) of the Sagami Province. Its most distinctive feature is its role as the guardian of 'Happo-yoke'—a spiritual protection that wards off misfortunes arising from any direction, including land, house, orientation, or unlucky dates. Throughout history, it has been deeply revered by legendary figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo, Takeda Shingen, and the Tokugawa family. Even today, people from all over Japan visit to seek the divine blessings of protection and peace.
The history of this shrine is profound, with roots stretching back approximately 1,600 years. As the primary shrine of the Sagami region, it has served as a central pillar of local faith and culture. One of its most striking traditions is the 'O-daiko' (Great Drum) ceremony, which takes place at midnight on New Year's Day. This ceremony is held alongside the Happo-yoke Festival and New Year's prayer rituals. In recent years, the shrine has also incorporated traditions like the first lighting of the New Year Nebuta lanterns. Furthermore, the shrine is deeply integrated into the local community, managing nearby medical and care facilities as a religious corporation.
The centerpiece of the shrine grounds is the Main Hall (Gohonden), where the deity of Happo-yoke is enshrined. A special privilege for visitors who undergo a purification ritual (Oharai) is the permission to enter the 'Kankeyama Shinen' garden located behind the Main Hall. This garden is a beautiful stroll-style Japanese garden featuring the historic 'Namba Pond.' Within the garden, visitors can find a tea house to enjoy traditional matcha and a museum that showcases the shrine's rich history. The harmony between the natural landscape and the classical architecture offers a truly tranquil experience.
While Samukawa Shrine is accessible throughout the year, it has unique seasonal charms. The first three days of January are particularly spectacular, featuring the Great Drum Ceremony at midnight and a vibrant atmosphere with many visitors. The changing scenery of the Japanese garden across the seasons and the opportunity to enjoy matcha at the tea house are highlights of any visit. For the best experience, we recommend visiting during daylight hours, which allows you to fully appreciate the intricate details of the Japanese garden and the serene atmosphere of the ponds.
Visitors can participate in 'Happo-yoke' purification rituals to seek protection from misfortune. Once the ritual is completed, you gain access to the Kankeyama Shinen garden, which is usually restricted, allowing you to stroll through the beautiful pond-style landscape. You can also experience traditional Japanese culture by enjoying matcha at the on-site tea house. Additionally, the museum provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history and cultural significance of the shrine through various exhibits.
Samukawa Shrine is located in the Samukawa area of Kanagawa Prefecture, near the popular Shonan region. The surrounding area offers many spots related to nature and local culture, making it easy to combine a visit to the shrine with other sightseeing in Kanagawa. The shrine is easily accessible via public transportation and is within walking distance from the nearest station.
Please observe shrine etiquette during your visit. If you wish to undergo a purification ritual or prayer, it is recommended to check the details in advance. Regarding payments, while cash (Japanese Yen) is standard, some facilities may accept credit cards or transit IC cards; please verify on-site. For clothing, a respectful and modest style suitable for a shrine visit is highly recommended. Please also be mindful of signage regarding photography, as certain areas may be restricted or prohibited.