Hokkaido Shrine
北海道神宮
Hokkaido · Sapporo
Independent Ichinomiya Development
Kokuhei Chusha
Ichinomiya (Mutsu Province)
Shiogama Shrine
鹽竈神社
/ Shiogama Jinja
Admission
Free
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
300 JPY
Access
15 min walk
Hours
Open daily, 5:00-20:00
Overview
Shiogama Shrine stands on a forested hilltop overlooking Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's celebrated scenic wonders. As the ichinomiya of ancient Mutsu Province, it has been the spiritual anchor of northeastern Honshu for over a millennium. The shrine's unique identity revolves around Shiotsuchi-oji-no-kami, a deity associated with salt production and maritime guidance. According to mythology, this kami led Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi to the Tohoku region during the divine pacification of the land, then remained to teach the local people how to extract salt from seawater. The compound actually encompasses two shrines: the Shiogama Shrine proper and the adjacent Shiwahiko Shrine, which was merged into the same grounds. Both are set amid ancient cryptomeria trees on the summit of Ichinomori Hill.
History
Founding
📄
Documented
820 Source: First appears in historical records with tax exemption
820📄Documented
First historical mention; granted tax exemption
1695📄Documented
Current main shrine buildings constructed under Date clan patronage
Enshrined Deities
⛩
Shiotsuchi Oji No Kami
primary Deity
⛩
secondary Deity
God of thunder, swords, martial arts, and sumo; emissary of the heavenly deities
⛩
Blessings
Shrine Network
Independent head
Head shrine of approximately 110 branch shrines nationwide.
Did You Know?
💡
The shrine's famous shiogama-zakura cherry blossoms are a unique variety found only at this shrine, designated a national natural monument.
Source: documented
💡
The shrine possesses three separate sanctuaries housing different kami, an unusual arrangement among major shrines.
Source: documented
💡
Matsuo Basho visited the shrine during his 1689 journey chronicled in Oku no Hosomichi.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
38.3220, 141.0230
Physical Address
1-1 Ichinomori-yama, Shiogama, Miyagi
宮城県塩竈市一森山1-1
Access
Hon-Shiogama Station (JR Senseki Line)
15 min walk
Hours
Open daily, 5:00-20:00
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Shiogama Shrine?
Shiogama Shrine stands on a forested hilltop overlooking Matsushima Bay, one of Japan's celebrated scenic wonders. As the ichinomiya of ancient Mutsu Province, it has been the spiritual anchor of northeastern Honshu for over a millennium. The shrine's unique identity revolves around Shiotsuchi-oji-no-kami, a deity associated with salt production and maritime guidance. According to mythology, this kami led Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi to the Tohoku region during the divine pacification of the land, then remained to teach the local people how to extract salt from seawater. The compound actually encompasses two shrines: the Shiogama Shrine proper and the adjacent Shiwahiko Shrine, which was merged into the same grounds. Both are set amid ancient cryptomeria trees on the summit of Ichinomori Hill.
Where is Shiogama Shrine located?
Shiogama Shrine is located in Shiogama, Miyagi. The full address is: 1-1 Ichinomori-yama, Shiogama, Miyagi.
What deities are enshrined at Shiogama Shrine?
The enshrined deities are: shiotsuchi oji no kami, Takemikazuchi no Kami, Futsunushi no Kami.
What blessings can you pray for at Shiogama Shrine?
Shiogama Shrine is known for: Maritime Safety, Safe Childbirth, Salt Industry.
How do I get to Shiogama Shrine?
The nearest station is Hon-Shiogama Station (JR Senseki Line). It is about a 15-minute walk from the station.