Shiogama-jinja Shrine

Shiogama Shrine (Shiogama Jinja) is a shrine in Shiogama City, Miyagi, with over 1,200 years of history, long revered as a guardian of Tohoku and as Ichinomiya of Mutsu Province. The main enshrined deity is Shiotsuchi-no-Oji (Shiotsuchi no Oji), said to have taught salt-making methods and to be connected to the origin of the place name “Shiogama.” The shrine is visited for many kinds of blessings, especially maritime safety, good catches, and safe childbirth. Locals affectionately call it “Shiogama-sama,” as it watches over the town and sea from a small mountain. The main hall, worship hall, and Zuishin gate are designated Important Cultural Properties, and the shrine has a rare and distinctive shrine-building layout. The natural monument “Shiogama-zakura” is typically best viewed in late April. Access: about a 15-minute walk from JR Senseki Line “Hon-Shiogama Station” to the Omotesaka (front approach) stone torii; about a 7-minute walk to the Higashi-sando (rear approach) stone torii. From the front approach, you climb 202 stone steps (also called the “Men’s Slope”); some say climbing them grants you power. The grounds include Shiwahiko Shrine, many smaller shrines, a museum, and more—recommended for anyone wanting to boost their luck.