Complete Guide to Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine (Aichi Prefecture) | History, Goshuin (Shrine Seal), Benefits, and Access Information
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine, quietly nestled in Kanayama, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, is a venerable shrine with a history of over a thousand years dating back to the Heian period. Known for its blessings related to matchmaking and marital harmony, it has also played an important role as a purification shrine visited before visiting Atsuta Jingu Shrine. This article provides a detailed introduction to Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine, including its history, goshuin information, benefits, highlights within the grounds, and access methods.
History and Origins of Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine
Founded in the Heian Period
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine is said to have been founded in 886 (Ninna 2). A Shinto priest from the then Ayuchi village invited the deity from Shirayama Hime Shrine, the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Kaga Province, to establish the shrine. This area has long been called “Sakakimori,” and the shrine’s name originates from the fact that it was once a forest overgrown with sacred sakaki trees.
Deep Connection with Atsuta Shrine
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine has played an important role in pilgrimages to Atsuta Shrine. In the past, it was customary for pilgrims approaching Atsuta Shrine from the north to purify themselves and receive a blessing at Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine before proceeding to the shrine. Therefore, Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine functioned as a “place of purification for Atsuta Shrine” and developed as a center of local faith.
From the Edo Period to the Present
During the Edo period, along with the development of Nagoya’s castle town, it was deeply revered as the guardian deity of the local residents. After the Meiji Restoration’s separation of Shinto and Buddhism, it has been carefully preserved as a guardian deity of the region to this day. In recent years, in the increasingly urbanized Kanayama district, it has attracted attention as a valuable cultural asset that conveys history and tradition.
Deity and Benefits
Kukurihime-no-Kami
The deity enshrined at Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine is Kukurihime-no-Kami. In Japanese mythology, this deity is said to have mediated a quarrel between Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto. Because her name “Kukuri” is similar to “kukuru” (to tie/bind), she is worshipped as a goddess who connects people.
Kukurihime-no-Kami, who was invited from Hakusan Hime Shrine, the head shrine of Hakusan worship, is also called “the world’s only goddess of matchmaking.” She is known as a goddess who connects not only romantic relationships but also people with people, people with work, and all kinds of good relationships.
Main Benefits
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine is said to offer the following benefits:
Matchmaking: Popular with those seeking good relationships and meeting a wonderful partner. It is believed that Kukurihime-no-Kami’s “binding” power brings about fateful encounters.
Marital Harmony: Deeply revered by married couples, this shrine strengthens the bond between spouses and protects a harmonious family life.
Family Safety: It protects the health and safety of all family members, bringing peace and happiness to the home.
Business Prosperity: Visiting this shrine in conjunction with the Shusse Inari Daimyojin shrine within the grounds can bring blessings for career success and business prosperity.
Exorcism and Purification: Due to its history as a purification site within Atsuta Shrine, it also offers blessings for protection against misfortune and purification.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Main Hall and Worship Hall
The Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine’s buildings are traditional wooden shrine architecture, exuding a tranquil atmosphere. Despite being located in an urban area, the grounds are enveloped in silence, providing a peaceful space for worship. In 2025, a repair project for the shrine buildings, which have a history of over a thousand years, was launched, and efforts are underway to pass on this precious cultural heritage to future generations.
Shusse Inari Daimyojin
Within the shrine grounds, the “Shusse Inari Daimyojin” is enshrined. This subsidiary shrine is believed to bring good fortune in work, career advancement, and business prosperity, and is revered by business people and managers. By visiting both the main shrine and this subsidiary shrine, you can receive blessings for both matchmaking and career success.
Sacred Atmosphere of the Shrine Grounds
Despite being located in the heart of the city of Kanayama, the shrine grounds are surrounded by greenery, and a tranquil atmosphere prevails. Trees, including sakaki trees, adorn the grounds, allowing you to experience the changing seasons. Morning visits, in particular, are ideal for calming your mind in the refreshing air.
Goshuin (Shrine Seal) and Goshuincho (Shrine Seal Book) Information
Goshuin of Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine
At Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine, you can receive a beautiful goshuin. The Goshuin (temple/shrine stamp) features the calligraphy and red seal of “Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine,” creating a simple yet dignified design. Many visitors receive a Goshuin as a memento of their visit and as proof of their connection with the deity.
Goshuin can be obtained at the shrine office, but it is recommended to call ahead to confirm availability, as staff may be absent.
Original Goshuin Notebook
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine offers an original Goshuin notebook designed by Masashi Anraku, a commercial artist known for his Showa-era retro illustrations. This notebook, with its beautiful design expressing the history and atmosphere of Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine, is popular among Goshuin collectors.
The warm design, incorporating images of the shrine grounds and the deity Kukurihime, makes the memories of your visit even more special. Since the Goshuin notebooks are limited in number, it is recommended to visit early if you wish to obtain one.
JR Central Collaboration Special Goshuin (Shrine Seal)
For a limited time, special goshuin (shrine seals) created in collaboration with JR Central are sometimes offered. These special goshuin have unique designs that differ from regular goshuin and are popular among railway fans and goshuin collectors. For the latest information, we recommend checking the official information of Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine and posts from visitors.
Worship Etiquette and Manners
Basic Worship Method
Worship at Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine follows the general etiquette of a Shinto shrine.
- Bow before passing through the torii gate: Before entering the shrine grounds, bow before the torii gate.
- Purify yourself at the water basin: If there is a water basin, purify your left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order.
- Worship in front of the main hall: Place your offering in the offering box and worship using the two bows, two claps, and one bow method.
- Visit the subsidiary shrines: Don’t forget to visit the subsidiary shrines, such as Shusse Inari Daimyojin.
- Bow upon leaving: When leaving the shrine grounds, turn around and bow after passing through the torii gate.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but please observe the following points:
- Do not take photos in areas where photography is prohibited, such as inside the main hall.
- Be considerate of other worshippers.
- Do not speak loudly or make noise.
- Remember that this is a sacred place and take photos with respect.
Access and Basic Information
Location
Address: 1-8-23 Kanayama, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 460-0022
Access by Train
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine is within walking distance of Kanayama Station, a major station in Nagoya City, making it very convenient to access.
From JR, Meitetsu, and Subway “Kanayama Station”
- Approximately 5-8 minutes on foot
- Kanayama Station is a large terminal station served by the JR Tokaido Main Line, Chuo Main Line, Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line, and Nagoya Municipal Subway Meijo Line and Meiko Line.
- Exit from the North Exit and head towards National Route 19.
Access by Car
From Nagoya Expressway “Tsurumai Minami JCT”
- Approximately 5 minutes
Parking: Please inquire with the shrine before visiting regarding the availability of dedicated parking. There are several coin-operated parking lots in the surrounding area.
Visiting Hours and Shrine Office Hours
Visiting Hours: Generally open all day.
Shrine Office Hours: Irregular. Those wishing to receive Goshuin (shrine stamps) or other items are advised to call in advance to confirm.
Phone Number: 052-331-6635
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Atsuta Shrine
Located approximately 2km south of Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine, about a 25-minute walk (or 10 minutes by train), is Atsuta Shrine, which enshrines the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan. Since it was customary to receive purification at Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine before visiting Atsuta Shrine, visiting both shrines is recommended.
Wakamiya Shinmei Shrine
There are other historical shrines scattered around the Kanayama area. Wakamiya Shinmei Shrine is also within walking distance, allowing you to enjoy a shrine tour.
Around Kanayama Station
The area around Kanayama Station boasts numerous shopping facilities and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy meals and shopping after your visit to the shrines. It also offers convenient access to other tourist attractions in Nagoya City.
Annual Events and Festivals
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine holds various festivals throughout the year.
Main Annual Events
Hatsumode (First Shrine Visit of the New Year): The shrine is bustling with worshippers praying for happiness in the new year. Many visit to pray for matchmaking and family safety.
Reisai (Annual Festival): The most important festival of the shrine, where gratitude is offered to the enshrined deity, Kukurihime-no-kami.
Tsukimisai (Monthly Festival): A festival held regularly every month, praying for the peace and security of the community and the health of worshippers.
For detailed festival schedules, please contact the shrine directly or check information posted by worshippers.
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine Repair Project
A crowdfunding campaign for the repair of the shrine buildings and facilities of Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine began on May 15, 2025. To ensure the preservation of this shrine, which boasts a history of over a thousand years since its founding, for future generations, the Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine Repair Project Executive Committee is taking the lead.
This is a crucial project to repair the shrine buildings and facilities that have deteriorated over the years, and to pass on this valuable cultural heritage to the future. With the support of worshippers and local residents, efforts are underway to connect a thousand years of history to the next millennium.
Visitor Voices and Reviews
Many visitors to Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine have shared the following comments:
“Despite being in the heart of the city, this shrine has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. I visited seeking blessings for matchmaking.”
“I stopped by before visiting Atsuta Jingu Shrine. It’s a historical shrine, and I felt a sense of awe.”
“The design of the goshuincho (stamp book) was so lovely that I bought it on impulse. The Showa-era retro atmosphere is warm and inviting.”
“It’s close to Kanayama Station, making it easily accessible. I was glad I could also visit Shusse Inari Daimyojin Shrine.”
“A small shrine, yet one that exudes history. I could feel the love it has for the local community.”
Summary of the Charms of Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine boasts a history of over a thousand years, dating back to the Heian period, and is known for its blessings for matchmaking and marital harmony. It enshrines Kukurihime-no-kami, the “world’s only goddess of matchmaking,” and has played an important role as a place of purification before visiting Atsuta Jingu Shrine.
Its charms include the tranquil grounds despite its urban location, beautiful goshuin (stamps) and original goshuincho, and its convenient access within walking distance of Kanayama Station. This shrine is a place where people can visit for various reasons, including those praying for matchmaking and marital harmony, those who want to visit a historical shrine, and those who enjoy collecting Goshuin (shrine stamps).
When you visit Nagoya, be sure to visit Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine and feel the sacred atmosphere woven from a thousand years of history. With the warm blessings of Kukurihime-no-kami, you will be blessed with wonderful encounters.
Inquiries
For information regarding Goshuin issuance hours, festival dates, and other inquiries, please contact the following:
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine
- Phone number: 052-331-6635
- Address: 1-8-23 Kanayama, Naka-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture 460-0022
We recommend checking the latest information before your visit. You can also find real-time information on visitor posts and review sites.
Enjoying Shrine Pilgrimages in Aichi Prefecture Even More
After visiting Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine, why not explore other shrines in Aichi Prefecture?
Recommended Shrines in Aichi Prefecture
Atsuta Jingu (Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City): A representative shrine of Aichi Prefecture, enshrining one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan.
Masumida Shrine (Ichinomiya City): A prestigious shrine that has attracted worshippers since ancient times as the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Owari Province.
Toyokawa Inari (Toyokawa City): A nationally famous temple (a syncretic Shinto-Buddhist temple) dedicated to the god of business prosperity.
Tsushima Shrine (Tsushima City): The head shrine of all Tsushima Shrines and Tenno Shrines nationwide, offering protection against misfortune.
Togashi Shrine (Toyokawa City): The Ichinomiya of Mikawa Province, enshrining the god of mountains.
Aichi Prefecture boasts over 1300 shrines and temples where you can receive Goshuin (shrine stamps), each with its own unique history and blessings. Start your shrine pilgrimage in Aichi Prefecture from Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine.
In Conclusion
Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine is a precious shrine that has attracted the faith of local people for over a thousand years amidst the wave of urbanization in Nagoya. Many worshippers visit seeking the blessings of Kukurihime-no-kami, the goddess of matchmaking.
By calming your mind in the tranquil grounds and praying while feeling the weight of history, you can spend a peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For those seeking good fortune in love, those wishing for family happiness, and those who want to experience the atmosphere of a historic shrine, Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine is definitely worth a visit.
Taking advantage of its convenient location within walking distance of Kanayama Station, please be sure to stop by Sakakimori Hakusan Shrine when sightseeing in Nagoya or visiting Atsuta Jingu Shrine. We sincerely pray that wonderful encounters and happiness will come to you in the sacred atmosphere nurtured by a thousand years of history.
