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Shiogama tourism
information center
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Honshiogama station) |
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Tel/Fax:022-362-2525
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Shiogama Jinja and Shiwahiko Jinja are both located in the hilly district of Shiogama City known as Ichimotiyama, some sixteen kilometers northeast of Sendai.
From their precincts it is possible to see a panorama of the city and, beyond that, the beautiful islands of Matsushima, one of Japan's three most famed seascapes.
For centuries, worshippers have considered this place to be one of great scenic beauty with its spectacular view of the Oshika Peninsula and the distant peak of Mount Kinkazan.
The spirit of three deities reside at Shiogama Jinja, in three separate buildings :
Shiotsuchi-Oji-no-Kami in the betsugu (detached sanctuary), Takemikazuchi-no-Kami in the sagu (left sanctuary), and Futsunushi-no-Kami in the ugu (right sanctuary).
Shiwahiko Jinja is dedicated to another deity, Shiwahiko-no-Kami.
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History of Shiogama Jinja
The exact year in which the jinja was built is unknown.
However, it is reported that when the Japanese race moved to this area over 2,000 years ago, jinjas were established and according to ancient records, the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu-Omikami, specifically commanded two of the deities who reside here, Takemikazuchi-no-Kami and Futsunushi-no-Kami,
to develop the Tohoku District (in which the jinja stands) and its culture.
The third deity, Shiotsuchi-Oji-no-Kami, is said ti have guided the other two to their domain.
After their arrival in tohoku, the area was guided to a state of peace, and Shiotsuchi-Oji-no-Kami is said to have taught the local people how to obtain salt from sea water.
In gratitude, the people enshrined the three deities at what is now called the Shiogama Jinja.
It is certainly of very ancient origin.
Further evidence of the jinja's history is found in a record called the "Koninshiki", compiled c.820 A.D.
This states that successive Emperors offered 10,000 bales of rice to Shiogama Jinja and exempted it from state taxes.
In such ways, from that period onwards, the Imperial Court showed its respect for this, the most important jinja in the showed its respect for this,
the most important jinja in the Tohoku District.
The jinja was also revered and protected by military leaders and powerful clans who saw it as a source of profound spiritual support.
A notable example was Lord Date, who lived during the Edo Period (1603-1867).
Having deep faith in the jinja, he personally served as chief priest and made generous offerings of land, swords, sacred horses and valuable gifts.
The present jinja structure was also built by command of Lord Date.
Shiogama Jinja Buildings
The first buildings that can be seen after climbings the 202 steps approaching the jinja is the graceful, vermilion-lacquered gate called Zuishinmon. It takes its name from the Zuishin images that stand on the left and right of the gate.
Beyond the Zuishinmon is a gate flanked on either side by corridors.
Passing though this gate it is possible to see the three buildings that are the sanctuaries of the three deities,
the detached sanctuary dedicated to Shiotsuchi-Oji-no-Kami being on the right side.
At the center is the honden, or main sanctuary, which consists of three halls built of plain wood in a style of shinto architecture called nagare-zukuri.
The three sanctuaries, on the other hand, are lacquered in vermilion, in the Irimoya style ;
their construction was started in 1704 at the order of the fifth Lord of Date and they are preserved as cultural properties of Miyagi Prefecture.
Before leaving the precincts of the main jinja, the dedicated to the jinja in 1185, a stone sundial dedicated in 1792 and a 14-foot high lantern of iron and copper that was donated in 1807.
All are evidence of the importance of this jinja throughout is long history.
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Belief and Festivals
The deities of the jinja have long been worshipped as guardian deities of seafarers, notably fisherman, and also expectant mothers.
They are also considered to offer their guardianship to land developers and students of the martial arts, also those seeking longevity, success in school entrance examinations and road safety.
Expectant mothers come from overseas as well as from all over Japan to offer prayers for a rich catch are offered before departure; prayers of gratitude are offered on the fisherman's return, together with some of the catch.
A large number of festivals and observances are held throughout the year, notably ; Hatsumode on January 1st.
As part of their celebrations of the New Year, many people congregate from all over the Tohoku region to pray for good health and fortune in the coming year.
Setsubun, February 3rd: This festival features the throwing of beans to drive out evil.
It is considered especially significant for men of 42 and women of 33 who, being at an unlucky age,
come to the jinja to pray for a safe passage through the coming year.
Hote Matsuri, March 10th: This was originated by the townspeople in 1882 in the hope of preventing fire and assuring the prosperity of the city.
The festival includes lively and colorful parades among which 16 young men carry a portable shrine weighing one ton around the streets.
Hana Matsuri, April, the Fourth Sunday: Another colorful festival that originates in the year 1778 when prayers were offered for relief from damage to crops caused by flooding.
The celebrations take place under flowering cherry blossoms.
Reisai, July 10th: This is the most important observance in the jinja calendar.
That preparations begin on July 4th with a three-day rite held at a subordinate jinja, Okamasya.
In this rite, salt is made from sea water in accordance with the ancient method, for presentation to Shiogama Jinja on July 10th.
On that day, various religious and cultural events draw a very large number of visitors;
for example, the distribution of talismans in the form of folded paper strips, and a performance of yabusame, mounted archery.
Minato Matsuri, July, the Third Monday: Two on two sacred boats called "Ho-O Maru" (The phoenix) and "Ryu-O Maru" (The Dragon) and carried out into Matsushima Bay surrounded by a flotilla of several hundred colorfully-decorated boats.
This is Shiogama Port's own, very spectacular, festival.
Shiwahiko Jinja
The deity of this jinja has been honored since ancient times as a guardian of agriculture.
The jinja was formerly situated in Iwakiri, to the west of Shiogama City, but it was transferred to the precincts of Shiogama Jinja in 1874.
The present shinto buildings were completed in 1938, combining the most astounding styles of shinto architecture of that time.
Both the Main Hall and the Hall of Worship are brilliantly-colored, being lacquered in vermilion and black.
They are designated as cultural assets of Shiogama City.
Built in 1996, this museum contains the Shiogama Jinja's inherited treasures, including swords, armor, ancient documents and objects of art. Also on display are reference materials related to salt manufacture, fishing and folklore.
A special exhibition is held annually.
The museum seeks to form a bridge between the culture of the jinja and its faith, and the everyday life of the local people.
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copyright © Shiogama tourism and industry association
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