Shiogama Jinja

Map

History & Origins

The founding date is unknown, but it appears in records as an influential shrine of Mutsu Province from before the Nara period. Warlords such as Sakanoue no Tamuramaro deeply revered it as the guardian deity of the whole Tohoku region. The Shiogama cherry in the grounds is a rare cherry variety designated a national natural monument.

Highlights

Climbing 202 stone steps (the Omote-zaka) leads to the main hall, which overlooks the city of Shiogama and Matsushima Bay. The 'Shiogama cherry' blooms with double flowers from late April to early May and is known as one of only a few such varieties in Japan. The portable shrine procession over the sea at the 'Shiogama Minato Matsuri', held on the day of the July annual festival, is spectacular.

Visitor Guide

It is about a 5-minute walk from Hon-Shiogama Station on the JR Senseki Line to the foot of the stone steps of the main approach. For those who find the steep stone steps of the Omote-zaka difficult, the Nishi-zaka (a gentle slope) is available. The grounds are free to enter (the offering office is open from about 8:30 to 17:00).

Best Season

It is especially busy in late April to early May, when the Shiogama cherry blooms, and around the third Monday of July (Marine Day), when the Minato Matsuri is held.

Blessings

Annual Events

• July

  Shiogama Jinja Reisai (Annual Festival)

  The largest festival of the year, held on July 10. Rituals such as a portable shrine procession and kagura are performed.

• July

  Shiogama Minato Matsuri (Shiogama Port Festival)

  A portable shrine procession on the sea, held on the third Monday of July (Marine Day). Dozens of boats sail across Matsushima Bay in Tohoku's largest sea festival.

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