Guida
Samukawa Shrine, located in Samukawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, is renowned as the first shrine of the ancient Sagami Province. Its most distinctive feature is the deity of 'Happo-yoke,' which protects against misfortunes arising from any direction, including bad luck related to land, house orientation, or specific dates. Throughout history, the shrine has been deeply revered by legendary figures such as Minamoto no Yoritomo, Takeda Shingen, and the Tokugawa Shogunate. Even today, visitors from all over Japan come to seek the divine protection of Happo-yoke.
The history of this shrine dates back approximately 1,600 years, serving as a central pillar of faith in the region. A highlight of its cultural heritage is the New Year's tradition, specifically the 'O-daiko (Great Drum) Ceremony' held at midnight on January 1st. This ceremony is accompanied by the Happo-yoke Festival and New Year's prayers. In recent years, the shrine has also integrated modern traditions, such as the first lighting of the New Year's Nebuta lanterns. Furthermore, the shrine'1s organization is deeply integrated into the local community, even managing nearby medical and elderly care facilities.
The centerpiece of the shrine grounds is the Main Hall (Gohonden), where the deity of Happo-yoke is enshrined. A special privilege is offered to those who undergo a purification ritual (Oharai/Kito): they gain access to the 'Kantake-yama Shinen,' a beautiful garden located behind the Main Hall. This garden is a classic Japanese stroll garden featuring the 'Namba no Koike' pond. Visitors can also enjoy traditional matcha tea at the teahouse or explore the museum to learn about the shrine's history. The harmony between the natural landscape and the architectural structures creates a serene and spiritual atmosphere.
While Samukawa Shrine is open year-round, it has distinct seasonal charms. The first three days of January are particularly spectacular, with the Great Drum Ceremony at midnight drawing large crowds. The seasonal changes in the Japanese garden and the opportunity to enjoy tea in the teahouse are also highly recommended. For the best experience, we suggest visiting during the daytime; the bright sunlight makes it easier to appreciate the intricate details of the Japanese garden and the beauty of the ponds.
Visitors can experience a formal 'Happo-yoke' purification ritual to ward off misfortune. Once the ritual is completed, you are granted entry to the exclusive Kantake-yama Shinen garden, where you can stroll through the pond-side landscape. Additionally, you can experience Japanese hospitality by enjoying traditional matcha at the on-site teahouse. For those interested in history, the museum offers various exhibits related to the shrine's long and storied past.
Samukawa Shrine is situated in the Samukawa area of Kanagawa Prefecture, near the popular Shonan coast. The surrounding region offers many cultural and natural spots, 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 proper shrine etiquette during your visit. If you wish to receive 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 transportation IC cards; please verify on-site. We recommend wearing modest, comfortable clothing suitable for visiting a sacred shrine. Additionally, please be mindful of any signs regarding photography restrictions in certain areas of the shrine grounds.