About Sarutahiko Shrine
Sarutahiko Shrine, located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, is a shrine dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-Okami, known as the god of guidance and opening paths. Situated within walking distance of the Inner Shrine of Ise Grand Shrine, it is revered as the god who guided the descent of the heavenly grandchild, and is believed to bestow the power to forge one’s own path in life.
Within the shrine grounds is a unique octagonal stone pillar, the “Directional Stone (Old Shrine Site).” It is believed that touching this stone while making a wish will bring various blessings.
Points for Worship
How to Worship at the Directional Stone (Old Shrine Site)
The octagonal stone pillar in the center of the shrine grounds is the “Old Shrine Site,” indicating the location where the main shrine once stood. This stone pillar is inscribed with the Chinese zodiac and directions. Worship should be conducted according to the following procedure.
- Place your hand on the direction corresponding to your zodiac sign: For improving career luck or overall luck.
- Touch the direction corresponding to your wish:
- Arts and academics: The direction of “Boar/Rat” (North)
- Financial luck/Wealth: The direction of “Monkey/Rooster” (West)
- Family luck: The direction of “Horse” (South)
- Career luck: The direction of “Tiger/Rabbit” (East)
- Stroke the stone pillar clockwise: To improve overall luck.
The stone’s surface is polished smooth due to the many visitors who touch it.
Sarume Shrine
Sarume Shrine, a shrine within the grounds, enshrines Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto. She is the goddess who, when Amaterasu Omikami hid in the Heavenly Rock Cave, performed a dance that prompted her to open the cave. She is believed to bring blessings for performing arts, matchmaking, and marital harmony.
Many people, especially those in the entertainment industry, actors, and celebrities, visit the shrine, and numerous lanterns and votive tablets can be seen on the grounds.
Benefits
Sarutahiko Shrine is believed to bestow the following blessings:
- Opening the Way: Guidance for new businesses and life transitions
- Protection from Misfortune: Protection from misfortune during moving or travel
- Traffic Safety: Blessing of cars and prayers for safe travels
- Business Prosperity: Development and success of businesses
- Family Safety: Health and peace of the family
- Improvement in Performing Arts (Sarume Shrine): Improvement in stage arts and performing arts
- Matchmaking (Sarume Shrine): Success in finding a good partner and marital harmony
Access and Visiting Information
Location
2-1-10 Ujiurata, Ise City, Mie Prefecture 516-0026
Access Method
Access by Train
- Take the Mie Kotsu bus from Kintetsu “Ise-shi Station” or “Ujiyamada Station” and get off at “Sarutahiko Shrine Mae” (approximately 15 minutes)
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Kintetsu “Isuzugawa Station”
Access by Car
- Approximately 5 minutes from Ise Expressway “Ise-Nishi IC”
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot, or 3 minutes by car from Ise Grand Shrine’s Inner Shrine
- Private parking available (free, approximately 30 spaces)
Visiting Hours
- Open for worship at any time (Shrine office open from 8:30 to 17:00)
- Open all year round
Estimated Time Required for Visiting
Approximately 20-30 minutes (including worship at the directional stone and Saeme Shrine)
Nearby Attractions
Within walking distance of Ise Grand Shrine’s Inner Shrine, many visitors combine their visit with a visit to the Inner Shrine. It is also close to Okage Yokocho and Oharaimachi, and is located on a major Ise sightseeing route. There is a saying, “If you visit Ise, visit Sarutahiko,” and it is a shrine that is a must-visit when visiting Ise.
