Contents
- 1 Sarutahiko Shrine: The Path-Opening God of New Beginnings
- 1.1 Sarutahiko: The God of New Beginnings
- 1.2 Why Everything Is Octagonal at Sarutahiko Shrine
- 1.3 How to Use the Direction Stone for Good Luck
- 1.4 Sarume Shrine: For Love and Performing Arts
- 1.5 The Treasure Stone: Praying for Prosperity
- 1.6 Sarutahiko Shrine Festival in August
- 1.7 Sarutahiko Shrine Omamori and Goshuin
- 1.8 Sarutahiko Shrine Visitor Information
- 1.9 Nearby Attractions from Sarutahiko Shrine
Sarutahiko Shrine: The Path-Opening God of New Beginnings
Where to pray when starting something new—career, business, marriage, or journey
Sarutahiko: The God of New Beginnings
When the grandson of the Sun Goddess descended from heaven to rule Japan, he needed a guide. Sarutahiko, a fearsome-looking but benevolent earthly deity, led the way. This “path-opening” (michihiraki) is why Sarutahiko is worshipped by anyone starting something new—a business, a marriage, a career change, a journey.
Located just 10 minutes on foot from Naiku, this shrine is traditionally visited before Ise Grand Shrine to ensure safe travels and auspicious beginnings.
Why Everything Is Octagonal at Sarutahiko Shrine
Everything here is octagonal. The torii gate pillars. The main hall columns. The decorative railings. Even the ema (votive tablets) are eight-sided.
Why? In East Asian cosmology, the octagon represents all directions—perfect for a deity of guidance and direction.
How to Use the Direction Stone for Good Luck
In front of the main hall stands an octagonal stone pillar marking where the original sanctuary stood until 1936. Carved with the 12 zodiac animals and 24 directional markers, touching specific points in order is believed to boost different aspects of fortune:
| Goal | Touch Order |
|---|---|
| Career | Boar → Rabbit → Sheep |
| Wealth | Snake → Rooster → Ox |
| Family | Monkey → Rat → Dragon |
| Popularity | Tiger → Horse → Dog |
How to use:
- First, worship at the main hall
- Then approach the Direction Stone
- Touch the three zodiac points in order for your wish
- Focus your intention
Sarume Shrine: For Love and Performing Arts
Within the grounds stands Sarume Shrine, dedicated to Ame-no-Uzume—the goddess who famously performed a wild dance to lure the Sun Goddess out of her cave and restore light to the world.
She later married Sarutahiko, making this a popular spot for:
- Performing arts success — Actors, musicians, athletes, and entertainers visit regularly
- Matchmaking — As the goddess who connected heavenly and earthly deities, she’s believed to forge good connections
- Wedding ceremonies — The shrine is a popular venue for traditional Shinto weddings
Many Japanese celebrities and athletes make pilgrimages here. Look for the colorful banners donated by famous names.
The Treasure Stone: Praying for Prosperity
Near the Direction Stone sits a boat-shaped rock with what appears to be a snake coiled on top. Boat shapes represent treasure ships in Japanese folklore, and snakes symbolize wealth—making this doubly auspicious for prosperity prayers.
Sarutahiko Shrine Festival in August
August 17-18 brings the Sarume Shrine Festival. The eve features hundreds of lanterns illuminating the grounds, while the festival day showcases performances by artists who’ve come to pay their respects.
Sarutahiko Shrine Omamori and Goshuin
Popular Charms
| Charm | Purpose | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Michihiraki Omamori | Opens new paths | ¥1,000 (8 colors) |
| Hajime no Ippo | First step forward | ¥1,000 |
| Sarume Shrine Omamori | Romance/matchmaking | ¥1,000 |
| Traffic Safety Sticker | Octagonal reflector | ¥800 |
Goshuin
Available for both Sarutahiko Shrine and Sarume Shrine (¥300 each). The shrine also sells beautiful rainbow-colored goshuin books featuring the Michibiki no Mai dance.
Sarutahiko Shrine Visitor Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours (office 8:30-17:00) |
| Admission | Free |
| Time needed | 30-45 minutes |
| Parking | Free parking available |
| Access | 10 min walk from Naiku, bus from Iseshi Station |
🚃 Travel to Sarutahiko Shrine with Unlimited Train Access
The Kintetsu Rail Pass offers unlimited travel on Kintetsu trains from Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya to the Ise-Shima region:
- ✓ Direct access to Iseshi Station, then bus or taxi to Sarutahiko Shrine
- ✓ Direct access to Isuzugawa Station for Naiku (10-minute walk to Sarutahiko)
- ✓ Coverage to nearby attractions throughout Ise-Shima
🎫 Book Kintetsu Rail Pass on Klook
💡 Available in 1-day, 2-day, and 5-day options. Perfect for combining Sarutahiko with Ise Grand Shrine and other Ise-Shima attractions.
Nearby Attractions from Sarutahiko Shrine
- Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku) — 10 min walk
- Okage Yokocho — 5 min walk
- Ito Shoha Art Museum — Adjacent (former shrine priest’s daughter)
🏨 Stay Near Sarutahiko Shrine and Ise Grand Shrine
Make the most of your Ise pilgrimage by staying near the shrines. These hotels offer convenient access to both Sarutahiko Shrine and Ise Grand Shrine:
- 🏯 Isegekusando Iseshinsen – Traditional Japanese inn near Geku
- 🏡 fav ISE – Modern hotel with excellent location
- 🛏️ Comfort Hotel ERA Ise – Reliable chain hotel near Iseshi Station
💡 Walk to Sarutahiko Shrine from Naiku in just 10 minutes, making these hotels perfect for a full shrine pilgrimage itinerary.
Part of our Complete Ise-Shima Guide
[…] Sarutahiko Shrine — 5 min walk […]