＜Saruga Shrine＞Tsugaru’s Grand Autumn Ritual at Saruka Shrine｜Hirosaki,GoshogawaraFor recommended sightseeing and leisure spots inTabiiro

Tsugaru’s Grand Autumn Ritual at Saruka Shrine

"Saruka Shrine" stands in Hirakawa City, Aomori Prefecture, a sacred site of the Tsugaru region believed to have been founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the early Heian-period shogun. Spanning approximately 5.3 hectares, its main sanctuary is designated as an Aomori Prefectural Cultural Asset and is venerated as a guardian for agriculture, fisheries, travel safety, eye-related well-being, and those born in the Years of the Dragon and Snake. Highlights include the Tsugaru region’s major autumn festival, the "Saruka Shrine Jūgoya Taisai," held this year over three days from October 5 to 7, offering a rich array of cultural attractions.

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Three-Day Only Goshuin And Festival-Exclusive Amulets

During the three-day "Saruka Shrine Jūgoya Festival," a limited-edition "Goshuin" (offering fee: 500 yen) and "Tsukimamori" charm (offering fee: 1,000 yen) are available. In addition, after the "Kangetsusai" on Monday, October 6, a special "Tsukimamori" will be offered exclusively to those who attend the ceremony.

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Autumn-Themed Goshuin Featuring Ginkgo Motifs

Distribution of "Autumn Goshuin" (500 yen) began last year. The simple yet elegant design—featuring ginkgo leaves and autumn foliage—has become a popular keepsake for visitors. *Designs are subject to change.

Detailed information

Savor the Beauty of Saruka Shrine in Autumn

The "Saruka Shrine Jūgoya Festival," enlivened by highlights such as the Prefectural Shishi-Odori Dance Competition, mikoshi processions, mountain music performances, karaoke offerings, and a folk entertainment show featuring comedy, traditional songs, and modern dance, will be held this year from October 5 (Sun) to 7 (Tue). The "Moon-Viewing Festival," where "Tsugaru Kagura" is performed as a sacred dedication, is another seasonal event not to be missed.

01. This year’s "Saruga Shrine Jūgoya Festival was held from October 5 (Sun) to 7 (Tue).
02. "Hirakawa’s Saruka Park Autumn Foliage Festival" features illumination around Kagami-ga-ike Pond.
03. The sacred rice-harvesting ritual, "Kariho-sai," took place from late September to early October

Saruga Shrine

Address

175 Saruga Ishibayashi, Hirakawa City, Aomori

Access

[Train] 15-minute walk from Tsugaru Onoe Station on the Konan Railway Konan Line; [Car] 10 minutes from Kuroishi IC on the Tohoku Expressway

Official Website

https://sarukajinja.com

TEL

+81-172-57-2016Please inform the staff that you found us through "Tabiiro".

FAX

+81-172-57-2217

SNS

Business hours

Shrine office: 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. *9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. in winter, worship is open 24 hours

Regular Holiday

Open year-round

Fee

Prayer Offerings:
1 item: 7,000 yen
2 items: 12,000 yen
3 items: 15,000 yen
Wedding Ceremony Offering: 50,000 yen

Parking

135 spaces (60 spaces in Saruga Park parking, 75 spaces in Roman Road parking)

Event information

- Nanoka-do Grand Festival: Lunar January 7
Features two rituals: the Yanagakarami ritual and Mochi Tossing ritual.

- Sokekai Grand Festival: May 3
A traditional Oni-men Archer Ritual praying for the dispelling of evil.

- Saruka Shrine Harvest Moon Festival: Lunar August 14 to16
Includes Tsugaru Kagura (a prefectural intangible cultural asset) and various rituals over three days.

- Rice Planting Festival
A traditional ceremony held near the shrine’s sacred field, praying for a bountiful harvest.