Sakatura IsozakiShrine

It is located on a hill on the cape. It is also closely related to Oarai Isomae Shrine, and the two shrines are said to form a single belief system.

Gods of worship

The main deity is Sukunahikono-no-mikoto, and Dainamochi-no-mikoto is also enshrined.

Onamochinomikoto, also called Okuninomikoto, is the deity of Oarai Isomae Shrine, and is said to have created the country with the help of Sukunahikonomikoto.

Many shrines enshrine the two deities, Daimochi-no-Mikoto and Shohikono-no-Mikoto, together when they created the country based on myths such as Kojiki, Nihonshoki, and Fudoki.

The same is true at Sakagami Isomae Shrine, where Shohikonomikoto is also associated with Ebisu, one of the seven gods of good fortune, and Daimochikoto with Daikokuten.

Founding of the Shrine

According to the “Nihon Montoku Tenno Jitsuroku,” in 856, a deity appeared at Oarai Isomae and was enshrined at Oarai and Shohikonomikoto at Sakagicho, thus founding the two shrines. The name “Shukagure” comes from the fact that the god of sake was enshrined at the shrine.

Brief History

Shukumae Isomae Shrine is mentioned in the Engishiki Shinmeicho and is listed in the line of Meishin-taisha shrines.

The shrine declined and ceased to exist during the Middle Ages, but in modern times, Mitsukuni Tokugawa, the second lord of the Mito Domain, had the construction of the shrine begun, and Tsunajo Tokugawa, the third lord of the domain, had it rebuilt and moved to its present location.

Precincts

There is a sculpture of a squirrel and grapes above the front of the hall of worship. These sculptures are said to be the work of Jingoro Hidari.

The guardian dogs on either side of the second torii gate were carved by Iizuka Heikichi, a stonemason of the Showa period.

Approach to the Shrine

The approach to the shrine is flanked by broadleaf forests of camellia, tabunoki, sudajii, and other trees that are more than 300 years old, creating a tunnel of trees that stretches about 300 meters.

This mysterious flora is designated as a natural monument by Ibaraki Prefecture. In winter, camellia flowers bloom and decorate the approach to the shrine in vivid colors.

The beautiful scenery is a popular photogenic spot.