About Samukawa Shrine
Samukawa Shrine is a historic shrine located in Samukawa-cho, Kanagawa Prefecture, and has long been revered as the first shrine in Sagami-no-kuni (the province of Sagami). It is also known as the only shrine in Japan that enshrines a guardian deity of “Happo-yoshi” (protection from all directions), and is believed to bring blessings to ward off misfortune from all directions. For this reason, the shrine is visited by many worshippers throughout the year, and is a popular place to pray for protection from bad luck and good fortune, as well as for family safety and prosperous business.
First of all, the charm of Samukawa Shrine lies in the solemn and pure atmosphere of its precincts. Stepping into the shrine grounds, one can feel the austere atmosphere, and the spacious approach to the shrine and its magnificent trees continue. Particularly eye-catching are the “romon” (tower gate) and “haiden” (hall of worship), which can be seen at the end of the straight approach. The beautiful vermilion-colored gate is the symbol of Samukawa Shrine, and its magnificent appearance welcomes visitors. The worship hall beyond the gate is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese architecture, and its large size and imposing appearance are a refreshing sight to behold.
The temple grounds are filled with beautiful scenery that blends nature and history. Especially in spring, the cherry blossoms on the temple grounds are at their best, creating a colorful scene together with the tower gate and the hall of worship. There is also a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden within the temple grounds, where visitors can enjoy the seasonal beauty of the area. A pond, stone bridge, and moss-covered rocks are arranged in the garden, and one of the charms of Samukawa Shrine is that visitors can spend time in the quiet and relaxing atmosphere. Especially during the season of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, the natural beauty of the shrine is even more striking, providing visitors with a sense of healing and peacefulness.
In addition, because Samukawa Shrine enshrines the deity of “Happo Yoshi” (the removal of bad luck in all directions), it is a special place for worshippers who wish to be rid of bad luck related to the direction of the sun and to bring good luck. Happo-yoshi means to prevent misfortune from all directions, including not only the east, west, south, north, and south directions, but also the diagonal directions (northeast, southeast, northwest, and southwest). For this reason, people who are concerned about the direction of all aspects of construction, moving, travel, and life transitions come to visit the shrine. Samukawa Shrine offers special amulets and prayers to ward off bad luck, such as “Happo Yoshi Mamoru” and “Prayer for Directional Protection,” and many people receive these for peace of mind and good fortune.
In addition, various festivals and events are held throughout the year at Samukawa Shrine. Hatsumode (New Year's visit to the shrine) is especially popular, attracting worshippers from all over Japan. Visitors can be seen praying for a safe and happy new year and purchasing omamori (charms) to pray for a safe and happy new year. Other seasonal festivals and events also abound, such as the Setsubun Festival during Setsubun, when many people participate in bean-throwing to bring good fortune and the giving of good luck charms. These events are popular not only among locals, but also among tourists from far and wide, and are one of the many reasons to visit Samukawa Shrine.
Furthermore, Samukawa Shrine has a teahouse selling Hachifuku mochi (rice cakes), which visitors can enjoy between visits for rest and souvenirs, as well as omikuji (fortune telling) and red seal stamps. Omikuji, which are filled with the wishes of visitors from all over Japan, can be seen on the spot as many people make their wishes on the spot. Many visitors also receive a red seal as a commemoration of their visit to Samukawa Shrine, and it is a pleasure to savor the beauty and significance of the inked characters written in the red seal book.
In general, Samukawa Shrine has a unique charm with its solemn appearance, abundant nature, and the blessing to ward off the direction of the sun. Visitors can not only spend a quiet time in the spacious precincts, but also experience a sense of purification in body and soul by receiving prayers and amulets specialized for protection from all directions. The shrine continues to be loved by many people as a power spot where they can rediscover its charms each time they visit and spend their days with a sense of peace and tranquility.