Shizuoka Sengen Shrine

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine is the collective name for a group of seven shrines: three main shrines (Kanbe Shrine, Sengen Shrine, and Otoshi-oya Shrine) plus four subsidiary shrines. Each has long been deeply revered by the imperial court and warlords, and together they have been widely worshiped as Suruga Province’s “Sosha” (principal shrine), Shizuoka’s main guardian shrine, and “Suruga no Taisha.” The current shrine buildings were constructed as a direct Tokugawa shogunate project, starting in 1804 and taking 60 years to complete. Across the expansive grounds stands a vivid complex of buildings finished in total lacquer and rich colors. In particular, the Haiden (worship hall) is impressive at about 25 meters tall, with an interior of 132 tatami mats. The magnificent and splendid complex is often called “the Nikko of Tokai,” and all 26 buildings in the shrine complex are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. A major restoration project described as “a 20-year makeover—Heisei & Reiwa Grand Restoration” is currently underway; some structures such as the newly repainted Romon gate can already be seen. The cultural property museum within the grounds displays items related to Tokugawa Ieyasu and relics of the Imagawa and Takeda clans. Access: buses from JR “Shizuoka” Station are convenient—get off at “Akatorii Sengen Jinja Iriguchi,” right nearby. By car, it’s about 15 minutes from Shin-Tomei Expressway Shin-Shizuoka IC or Tomei Expressway Shizuoka IC.