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• About Sarutahiko Shrine 
• The precincts of a shrine 
• Finally 

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About Sarutahiko Shrine 

History, Features and Enshrined Deities 

Sarutahiko Okami, the kami of Michihiraki is enshrined in Sarutahiko Shrine. He is said to lead people in the right direction,　when they move forward the next chapter of life. 

According to legend, after guiding Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of Amaterasu, Sarutahiko Okami pioneered the land mainly on the upstream of the Isuzu River. Also, he is written in Kojiki, Japan’s oldest historical record. 

*Amateras is the Sun Goddess enshrined in Ise Jingu, Naiku. 

Since Sarutahiko Okami pioneered the land from Ise to all over Japan, there are a lot of shrines in Japan named Sarutahiko. 

Among them, Sarutahiko Shrine in Ise attracts many worshippers because of its great location nearby Ise Jingu, also the home of Sarutahiko Okami. 

In the precincts, Ame-no-Uzume, the female kami who married Sarutahiko Okami, is also enshrined. 

She is well known for pioneering from the land of Ise to all over Japan with Sarutahiko Okami. 

The precincts of a shrine 

Highlights of the shrine ground 

This is an entrance to the shrine. 

When heading to the shrine, on the left side, you will find Temizuya. Here, you can purify yourself before praying. 

Give a bow and enter the Torii gate, then you will see Honden (the Worship hall) where you make a prayer. 

As mentioned, Sarutahiko Okami is the kami of Michihiraki. 

When you start something new or feel worried about moving forward, we recommend visiting there and praying that things goes well. 

Kodenchi, Takara-ishi, Sazare-ishi 

The octagonal stone Kodenchi which is surrounded by wooden pillars, located in front of Honden. 

It marks the spot in the center of the former shrine, which existed until 1936 and dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami. 

Many worshippers come to this sacred spot and touch the stone for good luck.  

Its octagonal shape reflects the virtues of Michihiraki, and you will find every pillar is actually shaped octagonally in this shrine – such as Honden, O-Torii Gate, Temizuya. It will be interesting for you to check out the buildings in the shrine ground. 

Now, we will introduce other popular lucky spots. 

Takara-Ishi (The Treasure Stone) is named because of its shape like the treasure boat. A white snake, thought to be the symbol of wealth can be seen atop the boat. 

You can also find Sazare-Ishi, an auspicious rock formed by pebbles through the ages. It is the stone written in the lyrics of Japanese national anthem Kimigayo. 

Sazare-Ishi is thought to be the symbol of luck, as its aging, growing up are similar to the human being. 

Sarutahiko Shrine has a lot of lucky spots as above, but also has one more shrine in the precincts, called Sarume Shrine. 

Sarume Shrine 

Sarume Shrine is dedicated to Ame-no-Uzume, the female kami who married Sarutahiko Okami. Located in front of Honden of Sarutahiko Shrine. 

As mentioned, Sarutahiko Okami has a history of guiding Ninigi-no-Mikoto. Then, Ame-no-Uzume is said to have mediated between the two of them.  

She received the name “Sarume” from Ninigi-no-Mikoto, so this shrine is called Sarume Shrine. 

Because of this episode, Sarume has been worshipped as “Kami of marriage”, not only for romance but also for people’s bounds or business relationships. 

Also famous for The Dance of Ame-no-Uzume, as is written in Kojiki, she is well known as Kami of entertainment and sports and attracts many worshippers. 

Goshuin 

Sarutahiko offers Goshuin with above pattern. 

You can receive it at the office on the left side of the shrine. 

Finally 

Sarutahiko Shrine, only 10 minute on foot to Ise Jingu Naiku. Also very near to a tourist spot Okage-yokocho Street. 

Don’t hesitate to stop by when visiting Ise jingu, or when you want to receive the guidance of God to feel positive. 

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