Tsubaki Grand Shrine (Tsubaki Okamiyashiro)
Head shrine of Sarutahiko no Okami, the deity who opens the way.
History and Divine Virtue
Standing at the central foot of the Suzuka mountains, this ancient shrine is regarded as the head shrine of the roughly two thousand shrines across Japan dedicated to Sarutahiko no Okami. Shrine tradition dates its founding to the 27th year of Emperor Suinin's reign, and it is held to be the ichinomiya of Ise Province. Sarutahiko no Okami served as guide at the descent of the heavenly grandchild, and as the deity of michihiraki — opening the way, guiding all things toward the good — he has drawn deep reverence for prayers at life's turning points: the growth of an enterprise, a change of career, the founding of a business. The subsidiary Tsubakikishi Shrine enshrines his consort, Ame-no-Uzume no Mikoto, worshipped as a deity of marital harmony, en-musubi (the tying of destined bonds), and progress in the performing arts. The Kanae Falls tumbling beside it are likewise cherished as a place of prayer. Within the grounds stands Reishoan, a tea house donated by Konosuke Matsushita, and the shrine is known for the many business leaders among its worshippers. Deeper in the precincts lies the Takayama Dokō mausoleum, held to be the tomb of Sarutahiko no Okami, telling of a history of worship reaching back to antiquity.
Visiting Notes
- After the main hall, continue to the subsidiary Tsubakikishi Shrine — the sanctuary of Ame-no-Uzume no Mikoto, deity of marital harmony and the performing arts.
- The small Kanae Falls beside Tsubakikishi Shrine is beloved; many worshippers keep its image on their phone screens.
- The Mifune Iwakura on the approach is a sacred rock associated with Sarutahiko no Okami — take care not to pass it by.
- At the Reishoan tea house, matcha is served (tea service varies by day).
Deities and Location
- Enshrined Deities
- Sarutahiko no Ōkami
- Location
- 三重県鈴鹿市山本町 (Mie)
- Access
- From Yokkaichi Station on the Kintetsu Line, take the Mie Kotsu bus bound for Tsubaki Okamiyashiro to the last stop; or about 10 minutes by car from the Suzuka IC on the Higashi-Meihan Expressway
- 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.
