Shiogama Jinja Shrine Mutsunokuni Ichinomiya

Shiogama Shrine (Shiogama Jinja) is a Shinto shrine located in Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture. It shares the same precinct with Shiwahiko Shrine (Shiwahiko Jinja). Shiogama Shrine is the Ichinomiya of Mutsu Province.

It takes for about 30 minutes drive from Sendai Airport.

Location:
1-1 Ichimoriyama, Shiogama City, Miyagi Prefecture

About the Deities:
Shiwahiko Shrine:
• Shiwahiko-no-Ōkami
Shiogama Shrine:
• Shiotsuchi-Oji-no-Kami (Main deity, enshrined in the Betsugū)
• Takemikazuchi-no-Kami (Left Hall)
• Futsunushi-no-Kami (Right Hall)

Shiotsuchi-Oji-no-Kami is a mysterious deity believed to be a god of the sea and salt. He is known for guiding Emperor Jinmu and Yamato Takeru, and is therefore worshipped as a protector of maritime and traffic safety, as well as a deity of safe childbirth.

Takemikazuchi and Futsunushi are court deities sent to pacify and subdue the northeastern region during ancient times.

History and Significance:
Shiogama Shrine is the head shrine of all Shiogama Shrines across Japan (written in various forms: 塩竈, 鹽竈, 塩釜, etc.).

Originally, only Shiogama Shrine existed at the site, but during the Meiji period, Shiwahiko Shrine was relocated to share the same precinct. Today, the official name is Shiwahiko Shrine – Shiogama Shrine, and it functions as a single religious corporation.

The Shiogama Sakura (Shiogama cherry tree), designated as a national natural monument, grows within the shrine grounds and is regularly featured in local news reports during its bloom.