Shiogama Jinja (Shiogama Shrine)
しおがまじんじゃ
A guardian of the Tohoku region and the first of the Mutsu Province shrines. It enshrines the deity of salt production and serves as a protector of the sea and daily life.
Overview
This ancient shrine has been revered since long ago as the 'Tohoku Protector and the First Shrine of Mutsu Province,' and it is even recorded in the 'Kōnin-shiki' of the Heian period. The primary enshrined deity is Shiodo-ro-o-shin, a sea deity said to have taught salt production methods to the people. Take-omikazuchi-no-kami is enshrined in the left shrine, and Kyotsu-no-kami is enshrined in the right shrine. The current shrine buildings were constructed between 1695 and 1704 by the Date clan, modeled after the style of Nikko Toshogu, and 14 buildings including the honden (main hall) are designated as National Important Cultural Properties. The Shiogama Sakura (a National Natural Monument) within the sacred grounds is also famous.
Enshrined deity / legend
Shiodo-ro-o-shin, Take-omikazuchi-no-kami, and Kyotsu-no-kami
Highlights
- ・First Shrine of Mutsu Province
- ・National Important Cultural Property - Honden (constructed by the Date clan)
- ・Shiogama Sakura (National Natural Monument)
- ・202 stone steps on the Omotesando (front approach)
Details may change. Please check official sources before visiting.