Admission
Free
Also called Samukawa
Samukawa, Kanagawa Prefecture
At a Glance
Samukawa Shrine is the only shrine in all of Japan dedicated to "Happō-yoke" (八方除), protection from misfortune coming from all eight directions—a unique spiritual concept that has drawn worshippers for over 1,600 years.
Behind the main hall lies a secret Japanese garden called Kantakeyama Shin'en that only visitors who receive formal prayers can enter—a tranquil sanctuary with a tea house where time seems to stand still.
Every New Year, a massive "Geishun Nebuta" float is displayed at the shrine gate—an unusual sight blending Aomori's famous nebuta festival tradition with this ancient Sagami Province sanctuary.
This shrine offers goshuin, but we don't have photos yet. Be the first to share yours!
Free
Goshuin (shrine stamps) are available with a voluntary donation. Goshuinchō (stamp book) costs 2,000 yen. The shrine also sells protective amulets and charms for 八方除—protection from misfortune from all eight directions.
If you receive a prayer ritual (gokitō), plan extra time to visit the exclusive神嶽山神苑 (Kantakeyama Shin'en) garden behind the main hall, open from early March to mid-December only to those who have received prayers.
Expect to wait 30 minutes or more at the prayer reception desk even on weekdays due to the shrine's popularity for八方除 (happōyoke, protection from all directions).
Head directly to the second or third parking lots instead of waiting at the first lot near the main entrance, as the first lot fills quickly and has no waiting area due to its proximity to traffic signals.
The shrine is located about 10 minutes on foot from the nearest station, making it accessible by public transportation, though the walk is necessary to reach the grounds.
Fascinating facts about this place
Samukawa Shrine is the only shrine in all of Japan dedicated to "Happō-yoke" (八方除), protection from misfortune coming from all eight directions—a unique spiritual concept that has drawn worshippers for over 1,600 years.
Behind the main hall lies a secret Japanese garden called Kantakeyama Shin'en that only visitors who receive formal prayers can enter—a tranquil sanctuary with a tea house where time seems to stand still.
Every New Year, a massive "Geishun Nebuta" float is displayed at the shrine gate—an unusual sight blending Aomori's famous nebuta festival tradition with this ancient Sagami Province sanctuary.
Legendary warriors including Minamoto no Yoritomo and Takeda Shingen deeply revered this shrine, seeking its八方除 blessings before major battles and life-changing decisions.
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