＜Saruga Shrine＞Historic

Historic "Saruga Shrine," a Sacred Site of the Tsugaru Region in Oshu

"Saruga Shrine," located in Hirakawa City, Aomori, is a sacred site in the Tsugaru region of Oshu, said to have been founded in the early Heian period by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the Seii Taishogun. Spanning approximately 16,000 tsubo, the main hall is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Aomori, and the shrine is widely revered for blessings related to agriculture, fishing, transportation, eyesight, and as a guardian deity for those born in the Year of the Dragon and the Year of the Snake. Also known as a site of dragon deity worship, the grounds present seasonal scenery that continues to draw visiting worshippers.

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Lotus Flowers of "Kagamigaike Pond," Known as the Northernmost Habitat

The lotus flowers of "Kagamigaike Pond" begin blooming in early July, reach peak bloom in early August, and continue until around early September. The flowers open early in the morning and close by around noon, making early morning the most suitable time for viewing. Limited to the July to September season, the "Lotus Goshuin" and "Lotus Mamori" are also offered.

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Goshuin Available Seasonally and for a Limited Time

In addition to standard goshuin, a variety of seasonal and limited editions are offered, including a New Year goshuin available from January 1 to January 31, as well as designs themed around spring cherry blossoms, summer Tanabata, lotus flowers, the "Saruga Shrine Jugoya Grand Festival," and autumn foliage. These goshuin serve as commemorative items of a visit to "Saruga Shrine," a sacred site in the Tsugaru region of Oshu.

Detailed information

1220th Anniversary of the Main Shrine Relocation in 2027

"Saruga Shrine" will mark the 1,220th anniversary of its official enshrinement in 2027, accompanied by a major Reiwa-era restoration project focused on repairs to the worship hall roof and copper plating. The "Copper Plate Dedication" offers an opportunity to inscribe a written wish on the copper plates used for the roof, in exchange for receiving the shrine’s blessings.

01. The "Saruga Shrine Jugoya Grand Festival," one of the largest festivals in the Tsugaru region, is held over three days from the 14th to the 16th of the eighth month of the lunar calendar
02. The illumination of "Kagamigaike Pond" can be viewed during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons
03. The "Kimen Hosha Shinji" can be observed up close during the "Sukeikai Grand Festival"

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 Tohoku Expressway Kuroishi IC

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.