Sasafuku Shrine

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 an ancient emperor and his family. 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 a touring emperor subdued evil demons here, 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 distinctive name said to mean iron sand and the furnace blast - The history of the land as a home of traditional iron making - A demon legend in which evil spirits were subdued

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, in the silence, 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

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.