Jul 26, 20221 min read

Shiogama Shrine, Miyagi Pref.

Updated: Jul 27, 2022

塩釜神社（宮城県）

A 15-minute walk from JR Hon-Shiogama station, Shiogama Shrine stands on a wooded hill in the city center of Shiogama. The current buildings were reconstructed in 1704, and the shrine has long been revered as the abode of the guardian deities of seafarers and expectant mothers.

The main approach through the stone Torii gated is up a set of steep stone stairs and under two more gates to the Main Hall. It is a good place to get a fine view of Shiogama Bay. In the precincts of the shrine are a 600-year-old holly tree, a stone sundial with Roman numerals presented in 1792, and a huge ancient copper lantern. The museum attached to the shrine displays swords, armor and old documents. Also on display are materials connected with salt manufacturing and fishing from the Stone Age to the present day. The shrine was designated as the National Important Cultural Property in 2002.

Shiogama is one of Japan’s most important fishing ports and one of the busiest fish processing centers in Japan. Naturally, it is understandable that there are many sushi restaurants. Kaisen-zushi Shiogamako is one of them.