Sasafuku Shrine, a Shrine of Demon Tales and Iron Making in Nichinan

In Nichinan, Tottori, there is an old shrine called Sasafuku Shrine. Said to have been founded more than 1100 years ago, it is a shrine of long standing that enshrines the seventh emperor, Emperor Korei, and his family. It has been revered as the chief guardian shrine of Hino District and as an ancestral deity of iron making. It is not a flashy place crowded with tourists, and for that reason it is a rich hidden spot where the history and faith of the land quietly live on.

The name is said to be made of sasa, meaning iron sand, and fuku, meaning the blast of air into the furnace, preserving the fact that this land was long a home of iron making, the so called tatara method. A legend also remains that Emperor Korei, on his tour, subdued the demons of this land, and the shrine has gathered the faith of people as a deity of good fortune.

Highlights

• An old lineage said to reach back more than 1100 years
• A shrine that enshrines the seventh emperor, Emperor Korei, and his family
• A distinctive name said to mean iron sand and the furnace blast
• The history of the land as a home of traditional iron making, and faith in the shrine as an ancestral deity of iron
• A demon legend in which the demons of Mount Kirin were subdued
• Counted among the Eight Good-Fortune Shrines of Inaba and Hoki

According to legend, Emperor Korei, hearing that demons troubling the people of this land dwelt on Mount Kirin, led his family and retainers and subdued them. As a shrine enshrining a deity of good fortune, it is quietly visited by those praying for luck and the fulfillment of wishes.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the trees of the precinct bud and soft light filters in. In summer it is wrapped in deep green, with the pleasant coolness of the hills. In autumn the surroundings turn color and the calm charm of the old shrine deepens further. In winter, as this is a snowy land, the clear air braces the body. It is a shrine to spend time at slowly while reflecting on its history.

Access and Basic Information

• Located in Miyauchi, Nichinan, Hino County, Tottori
• By rail, Shoyama Station on the Hakubi line is the starting point
• About 20 minutes by car from Shoyama Station
• One shrine on a journey around tatara culture and demon lore

Practical Travel Notes

• It is a quiet shrine in the hills, and public transport is infrequent, so visiting by car is convenient
• The Nichinan area is a snowy region in winter, so prepare for snowy roads and allow ample time for your visit
• Other shrines of the same name Sasafuku are handed down nearby, and places tied to Emperor Korei are dotted around; touring them together conveys the reach of the demon legend
• Museums where you can learn the history of tatara iron making are found across Hino District, so a themed journey is recommended
• The precinct has a calm atmosphere, so worship quietly and take time to reflect on the local history

A Quick Tip

If you are interested in traditional iron making or demon legends, this is a shrine well worth stopping at. Walking the precinct while picturing the origin of the name makes the history of the land feel much closer. As it lies in the hills, plan your visit with time to spare.

📚 Sources

This article draws on published information from Nichinan Town and its tourism-related sources, along with the shrine tradition of Sasafuku Shrine and tradition about Emperor Korei and the ancestral deity of ironmaking. On-site guidance in the precincts was also consulted. Visiting hours and the state of nearby paths may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes to an hour for the visit and a stroll of the precincts.
• Preparation: Comfortable shoes suit walking the approach and precincts.
• Getting around: Proceeding from the approach to the main hall and touring the historic precincts covers the highlights.
• Meaning of the visit: An old shrine revered as the guardian of Hino district and the ancestral deity of ironmaking.
• Note: A quiet old shrine, it suits an unhurried visit.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Location: 1101 Miyauchi, Nichinan-cho, Hino-gun, Tottori Prefecture (shrine office, TEL and FAX 0859-82-1619)
• Access: About 15 minutes by car from "Shoyama Station" on the JR Hakubi Line / about 55 minutes by car from the "Kofu IC" on the Yonago Expressway via National Route 181
• Prayer rituals: From an offering of 5,000 yen. The shrine office is sometimes unattended, so an advance reservation is essential (if visiting in person is difficult, prayer services requested by post or fax are also accepted)
• Main festival days: Spring Grand Festival (annual festival and prayer festival for a good harvest) on May 1 / Autumn Grand Festival (harvest thanksgiving festival and festive events) on November 3 / Great Purification Rites on June 30 and December 31
• Winter precautions: The shrine's official website advises visitors to "check the heavy snow information" and to consult "Tottori Yukimichi Navi"

* Visiting hours, admission fees and the number of parking spaces are not officially published. * Inquiries are also accepted by the Nichinan Town Tourism Association (0859-82-1715).

(Sources: Sasafuku Jinja Shrine official website, Tottori Tabi (Tottori Prefectural Tourism Federation) official website)