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.