Standing on Mount Ichimori overlooking the town of Shiogama, this shrine, affectionately known as "Shiogama-sama," is a guardian of the Tohoku region and the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of the former Mutsu Province. Miyagi Prefecture's tourism site introduces it as "one of Miyagi's top power spots," and Shiwahiko Shrine is enshrined on the same grounds.
Shiotsuchi-no-Oji-no-Kami is enshrined in the Betsugu (separate shrine), Takemikazuchi-no-Kami in the Left Shrine and Futsunushi-no-Kami in the Right Shrine. Shiotsuchi-no-Oji-no-Kami is said to have stayed in this area and taught people how to make salt. The shrine buildings built in the Edo period, including the main halls and worship halls, as well as the stone torii, are designated national Important Cultural Properties.
A long stone-stepped approach surrounded by cedar trees, which you climb step by step from the stone torii toward the shrine buildings.
Vermilion-lacquered shrine buildings stand side by side, and you can pray at the Betsugu and at the Left and Right Shrines.
A cherry tree on the grounds designated a national Natural Monument. Many other varieties of cherry trees are also planted here.
From outside the gate of Shiwahiko Shrine, which stands on the same grounds, you can look out over the streets of Shiogama and the sea.
It is worshipped as a guardian of safe childbirth and as a deity of maritime affairs and the salt industry. The stroking ox (nade-ushi) on the grounds was originally known as something people touched to pray for business prosperity.
Based on information from the shrine or temple and official tourism sites.
Goshuin (shrine stamps) for both Shiwahiko Shrine and Shiogama Shrine are available at the shrine.
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PR8.1Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
⛩️ ShrineHokkaido ・ Shosanbetsu, Tomamae District, Hokkaido
A shrine below Cape Konpira facing the Sea of Japan, symbolized by its vermilion "torii in the sea" standing at the water's edge. Hokkaido's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot where you can feel the energy of the sea breeze and rough waves.
⛩️ ShrineHokkaido ・ Hakodate, Hokkaido
A shrine on high ground at the foot of Mount Hakodate, surrounded by a forest of Yezo spruce and other trees. Locals affectionately call it "Hachiman-san," and Hakodate's tourism guide introduces it as "one of Hakodate's leading power spots, filled with crisp, dignified air."
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Hachinohe, Aomori
A shrine on the top of Kabushima Island, a breeding ground for black-tailed gulls designated a national Natural Monument. Aomori Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot associated with blessings for good luck and wealth.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Tsuruoka, Yamagata
Together with Mount Gassan and Mount Yudono, Mount Haguro forms the "Dewa Sanzan" (Three Mountains of Dewa), a sacred site of mountain worship long known as a center of Shugendo ascetic practice. Tsuruoka City's tourism site introduces it as a power spot, and at the Sanjin Gosaiden hall on the summit you can pay respects to the deities of all three mountains at once.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Nikko, Tochigi
A shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, representative of the "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" World Heritage Site. It is famous for its lavishly decorated buildings, and Tochigi Prefecture's tourism site notes that several powerful power spots are said to lie on the grounds and in the surrounding area, such as the path beyond the Sleeping Cat leading to the Okumiya (inner shrine) and the approach leading to Nikko Futarasan Shrine.
⛩️ ShrineTokyo & Around ・ Katori, Chiba
The head shrine of the Katori shrines found across Japan, mainly in the Kanto region, and the Ichinomiya (highest-ranking shrine) of the former Shimousa Province. Chiba Prefecture's official tourism site features it on a model "power spot tour" together with Kashima Jingu, and its highlights include the legendary Kanameishi stone and the Okumiya (inner shrine).
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Hirosaki, Aomori
A shrine at the foot of Mount Iwaki, known as "Tsugaru Fuji," affectionately called "Oiwaki-sama" or "Oyama" by locals. Aomori Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as a power spot rooted in mountain worship.
⛩️ ShrineTohoku ・ Towada, Aomori
An ancient shrine standing among cedar trees at the base of the Nakayama Peninsula, which juts out into Lake Towada. It was once worshipped as a sacred site on a par with Osorezan, and Aomori Prefecture's official tourism site introduces it as one of the leading power spots in Tohoku.
🛕 TempleTohoku ・ Yamagata, Yamagata
An ancient Tendai Buddhist temple with halls dotted across a steep rocky mountain, affectionately known as "Yamadera" (Mountain Temple). Yamagata Prefecture's official tourism site lists it first among places to visit on a spiritual journey, and a superb view awaits at the top of its 1,015 stone steps.
History and what each place is known for are based on the shrine or temple’s official site and on local government and tourism association information. Opening hours, fees and limited-time items are not listed — please check the official site before you go.
