Shinkai Sansha Shrine

Standing in Taguchi, Saku City, Shinkai Sansha Shrine is a storied old shrine long said to be the head shrine of the Saku region. Its principal deity, Okihagi no Mikoto, is enshrined in the eastern main hall, his father Takeminakata no Mikoto in the central main hall, and his uncle Kotoshironushi no Mikoto in the western main hall. Because Okihagi no Mikoto is also called Niisaku no Kami, he is spoken of as the origin of the name Saku. An oral tradition of restoration by Minamoto no Yoritomo survives, as does a prayer document recording that Takeda Shingen dedicated a sword while praying for victory, and the shrine has been revered as a martial deity. At the rear of the grounds rises a late Muromachi-period three-story pagoda, which with the eastern main hall is designated a National Important Cultural Property.

Highlights

• Three-story pagoda: A late Muromachi-period pagoda said to have been built in 1515, designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1907. Standing quietly at the rear of the vast grounds, it makes a striking impression.
• Eastern main hall: The main hall enshrining the principal deity, Okihagi no Mikoto, a late Muromachi-period structure designated, with the pagoda, a National Important Cultural Property.
• History as head shrine of Saku: Held to be the head shrine of the many villages of the Saku region, enshrining Okihagi no Mikoto, said to be the origin of the place name.
• Tradition as a martial deity: A history preserving the oral tradition tied to Minamoto no Yoritomo and the prayer document of Takeda Shingen.
• Quiet grove atmosphere: The solemn stand of trees across the vast grounds lends a grave and dignified air.

Enjoying the Seasons

In the fresh-green season the trees in the grounds are lush, and the pairing of the pagoda with the greenery is beautiful. In autumn the trees turn color, and the combination of historic shrine buildings and foliage is well worth seeing. During the Shichi-Go-San and New Year periods it bustles with local worshippers, but on ordinary days you can explore in calm. Pairing a visit with a walk through the history of Saku is also recommended.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 2394 Taguchi, Saku City, Nagano
• Access: About 3.9 km east of Usuda Station on the JR Koumi Line, roughly 16 minutes by car; about 10 minutes by taxi from the Saku IC on the Joshin-etsu Expressway. Parking available.
• Hours: Grounds open at all times
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: May and June for fresh greenery, and around November for autumn foliage. Mornings, when there are fewer visitors, are recommended for a quiet visit.
• Avoiding crowds: It is usually calm, but during the New Year and Shichi-Go-San seasons it bustles with local worshippers, so weekdays and mornings allow an unhurried visit.
• Time needed: About 30 to 60 minutes to visit the main halls and pagoda at a leisurely pace.
• Nearby real spots: The Tatsuoka Castle star fort and the former Nakagomi School and other historic sites of Saku are close by, making for a fuller history walk when combined.
• Budget sense: Worship is free. Even combined with nearby historic sites or a soba stop, half a day here is easy on the wallet.

A Quick Tip

The grounds are large and the points of interest are scattered, so walking unhurriedly to the pagoda and each main hall is rewarding. The grove deepens as you go, so visit in comfortable shoes and savor the sense of history in the quiet air of the grove.

📚 Sources

The information about Shinkai Sansha Shrine was compiled by our editorial team from Saku City tourism information, local guidance, and interpretive signs on the grounds. The account of an old shrine said to be the general shrine of the Saku district, whose three-storied pagoda is an Important Cultural Property, follows these public references. Because worship hours and events change by year, please confirm the latest information from Saku City or local sources before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes to an hour combining worship at the halls and three-storied pagoda with a stroll of the grounds.
• What to prepare: You will walk the approach and grounds, so comfortable shoes make the visit pleasant.
• Getting around: You can reach it from a parking lot, so it is convenient to worship using a car.
• Worship manners: Worship quietly at the Important Cultural Property pagoda and take care not to touch the structure.