Saruka Shrine in Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, boasts a history of over 1,200 years
[Music] Saruka shrine. [Music] In the heart of the Sugaru plane in Almori Prefecture lies the city of Hikawa. Here there is a sacred place deeply cherished by the local people for centuries. Affectionately known as Suruka Sama. This is Saruka Shrine, a sanctuary with over 1200 years of history, renowned for its lotus flowers, the northernmost in Japan that bloom across a serene mirror-like pond in the summer. Passing through the large white first Tori gate from the road and then the vermillion second Tori, a grand stone gateway welcomes us to the expansive Seruga Park. The straight path leading to the shrine is enveloped in lush greenery filled with pure clean air. In spring, cherry blossoms adorn the path in full bloom. While in summer, the vibrant green leaves create a cool, refreshing shade. [Music] The main deity enshrined at Suruka Shrine is Kamitsukino Nokim Tajino Mikoto. He is widely woripped as a guardian for agriculture and fishing, traffic safety, and healing eye ailments, as well as the protector for those born in the years of the dragon and the snake. Also enshrined is Yukamoi Nokami, the goddess of bountiful harvests, a significant deity in this flourishing agricultural region. [Music] To the right of the path, you will see the chosia, a purification font. Here we cleanse our hands and mouth, purifying our mind and body before greeting the deities. The water flows continuously from the mouth of a dragon symbolizing the purity of this sacred ground. During the summer, the basin is beautifully adorned with floating lotus blossoms from the pond. The gentle sounds of water and wind chimes create a cool and calming atmosphere. Touching the clear water, one feels a sense of quiet reverence. [Music] Guarding the worship hall, you will find many kamayu or guardian lion dogs. Among them is a rare statue of a parent and child. This is the Komori Shishi, the child protecting lion, fiercely glaring at any external threats alongside its partner. It is said that gently stroking the head of the child lion brings blessings for children’s well-being. We now arrive before the majestic heen, the worship hall. This is the sacred space where we offer our prayers to the gods. The beams are decorated with magnificent dragon carvings. [Music] Standing solemnly behind the worship hall is the Hondan, the main sanctuary where the spirit of the deity resides. Built in the late Edo period, this sanctuary is a precious structure that preserves the architectural style of its time and is designated as a treasure of Almori prefecture. The shrine’s origins date back to the H period when the great general Sakenu Noturamaro is said to have built a pavilion here to pray for victory in battle. Later during the Edeto period, it was treasured as the official prayer hall of the Sugaru clan, making it a shrine that has truly walked alongside the history of Sugaru. At the top of the arch on the left side of the shrine building hangs a plaque bearing the words Suruga Noakami. This is a sacred monument. The enshrined deity is Kamitsukino Kim Taraji no mikoto. There are several stone monuments on both sides of the approach to the shrine. [Music] This is Ikagami Shrine, Yakushida Hall. It is located to the east of the worship hall of Suruga Shrine. It enshrines Sukanakona Nokami, who is worshiped as the god of medicine. [Music] From the side of the shrine, you can exit towards Manakarta Shrine and Hayoshi Shrine, Kagami Pond. Another [Music] of Suruka Shrine’s great charms is its vast and beautiful grounds. At the heart of the shrine’s faith is this very pond, Kagami Gaik, the mirror pond. And in summer, this pond is transformed into a breathtaking spectacle. The lotus flowers known as the lotus of the northern limit begin to bloom in mid July, revealing elegant pale pink blossoms. The flowers open in the early morning and close in the afternoon, so a morning visit is highly recommended. The lotus blossoms sway gently in the cool breeze that drifts across the water. Their ethereal beauty is like a vision of the pure land, a paradise that captivates countless visitors every summer. [Music] Manakarta shrine. Benton shrine located on an island in Kagami Ga Pond was originally built to worship Benzatan, the goddess of water and Ichi Kishimahime was associated with the shrine resulting in a synratism between Shinto and Buddhism. The shrine was renamed Manakarta shrine in the early Maji period when Shinto and Buddhism were separated. Be sure to go around to the back where you’ll find a large white snake. Hayoshi Shrine, a subsidiary shrine within the temple grounds, is located right next to it. Suttingu shrine is located on the shore of Kagamig Lake. It enshrines the deity Mizuhano. There are two large snakes on the ceiling and a dragon at the back of the shrine from which water flows. Within Suruka Park, famous for its blooming lotus flowers, you’ll find Suruka onen where the hot spring water flows directly from the source and leaves your skin feeling smooth. We recommend taking a dip after visiting the shrine. [Music] Suruka Shrine is a place embraced by the rich nature of Sugaru and a profound history spanning over 1200 years. The tales of the gods passed down from the age of myths and the stunning scenery that changes with each season offer a gentle healing for the hearts of all who visit. Thank you for watching. This channel introduces historic shrines, temples, and ancient ruins in Almori Prefecture by taking a leisurely walk. Please like and subscribe to the channel. [Music]
In the heart of the Tsugaru Plain in Aomori Prefecture lies the city of Hirakawa. Here, there is a sacred place deeply cherished by the local people for centuries, affectionately known as “Saruka-sama.” This is Saruka Shrine, a sanctuary with over twelve hundred years of history, renowned for its lotus flowers—the northernmost in Japan—that bloom across a serene, mirror-like pond in the summer.
青森県津軽平野の中央に位置する、平川市。 この地に、古くから「さるかさま」の尊称とともに、地域の人々に親しまれてきた神聖な場所があります。
夏には、鏡のように静かな池一面に、北限の蓮の花が咲き誇る、千二百年以上の歴史を誇る猿賀神社です。