Sarutahiko Shrine
A shrine of way-opening, where the eight-sided direction stone rests.
History and Divine Virtue
Standing close to the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu, this shrine enshrines Sarutahiko no Okami, who served as guide at the descent of the heavenly grandchild. As the great deity of michihiraki — appearing at the outset of things and leading all matters toward the good — he has long been revered by those beginning something new or seeking to set their course. The office of chief priest has been held for generations by the Ujitoko family, said to descend from Sarutahiko no Okami himself. At the center of the kodenchi, the former sanctuary site before the main hall, stands an octagonal direction stone engraved with the ten stems and twelve branches of the traditional calendar; worshippers are constantly seen resting a hand upon it in prayer. Within the grounds, Sarume Shrine enshrines Ame-no-Uzume no Mikoto, who danced before the heavenly rock cave in myth, and is deeply revered by performers as a deity of progress in the performing arts and sport. Many visitors pair it with a pilgrimage to the Inner Shrine, and the shrine is also known for the Omata rice-planting festival held every May 5 to pray for a good harvest.
Visiting Notes
- The octagonal direction stone at the center of the kodenchi marks the site of the former main hall, engraved with the ten stems and twelve branches.
- Sarume Shrine within the grounds is known for prayers of progress in the performing arts and sport, enshrining Ame-no-Uzume no Mikoto.
- It is within walking distance of the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu — easy to fold into an itinerary with Oharai-machi.
The ten stems and twelve branches engraved on the direction stone belong equally to the world of the almanac. Those versed in the nine stars and directional practice often name this shrine as a destination for milestone years.
Deities and Location
- Enshrined Deities
- Sarutahiko no Ōkami
- Location
- 三重県伊勢市宇治浦田 (Mie)
- Access
- Within walking distance of the Inner Shrine of Ise Jingu; directly outside the Sarutahiko-jinja-mae bus stop
- Lineage
- Michihiraki: Opening the Way
Visiting hours, goshuin (shrine stamps), and festival dates change; please confirm the latest information through each shrine's official announcements. If you find an error in this entry, we would be grateful if you let us know.
Shrines to Visit Together
related
MieIse Jingu
From the Outer Shrine to the Inner — two thousand years of prayer.
MieShinmei Shrine (Ishigami-san)
The ama divers' shrine, said to grant one wish to every woman.
MieTsubaki Grand Shrine (Tsubaki Okamiyashiro)
Head shrine of Sarutahiko no Okami, the deity who opens the way.