⛩️ Sarutahiko Shrine

Sarutahiko Shrine enshrines Sarutahiko no Ōkami, the deity that guides things in their initial stages towards a positive direction. The "Nihon Shoki" and "Kojiki" also record that "Sarutahiko no Ōkami guided the heavenly descendants who opened the nation to this land." The ema (votive tablets) depict the unique "Dance of Guidance" of Sarutahiko Shrine, symbolizing the ability to direct wishes towards a favorable outcome. With a deep connection to Ise Jingu, Sarutahiko no Ōkami's descendant, Ohta no Mikoto, recommended the area upstream of the Isuzugawa River as the location for the inner shrine of Ise Jingu. The direct descendants of Sarutahiko no Ōkami and Ohta no Mikoto, the Ujitukigong family, hold special positions within the shrine and carry important responsibilities during the Shikinen Sengu (periodic shrine rebuilding). On the octagonal stone pillar in front of the shrine, the directions of the ancient shrine's location are inscribed, and many people come here to pray for the opening of their life paths. Within the shrine grounds, there is also the Sarume Shrine dedicated to Ame no Uzume no Mikoto. It is said that when Amaterasu Ōmikami hid in the cave, she performed a kagura dance. She is revered as the ancestral deity of kagura, arts, and theater. Many individuals involved in the arts and sports come to pay their respects.

In the initial stages of things, coming to pay respects can guide development in a positive direction. You can offer an ema (votive tablet) painted with "Dance of Guidance." There is also the Sarume Shrine, where one can pray for success in the arts.