About Sarume Shrine
Sarume Shrine is a subsidiary shrine located within the grounds of Sarutahiko Shrine in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. It enshrines Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto as its main deity and is widely worshipped as the goddess of performing arts and arts, and as a goddess of matchmaking.
About the Deity, Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto
Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto is a goddess appearing in Japanese mythology. She is said to have performed a sacred dance in front of the cave where Amaterasu Omikami hid, thus luring Amaterasu Omikami out. Because of this myth, she is revered as Japan’s oldest goddess of performing arts.
Furthermore, as she is also the wife of Sarutahiko Okami, she is worshipped as a goddess of matchmaking and marital harmony.
History and Origins of the Shrine
Sarume Shrine has been worshipped since ancient times as a subsidiary shrine within the grounds of Sarutahiko Shrine. The name “Sarume” originates from “Sarume-no-kimi,” another name for Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto.
Along with Sarutahiko Shrine, which enshrines Sarutahiko-no-Okami, many worshippers visit Sarume Shrine when visiting Ise Grand Shrine, and in recent years, the number of visitors from the entertainment industry and artists has also increased.
Benefits and Divine Virtues
Sarume Shrine is believed to offer the following benefits:
Improvement in Performing Arts and Skills
- Improvement in all performing arts, including theater, dance, and music
- Improvement in speaking and communication skills
- Development of expressive and presentation skills
Many people in professions that involve performing in front of an audience, such as entertainers, actors, singers, dancers, and announcers, visit the shrine.
Matchmaking and Romantic Fulfillment
- Forging a Good Relationship
- Romantic Fulfillment
- Marital Harmony
- Family Harmony
Due to the worship of Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto and Sarutahiko-no-Okami as a married couple, many prayers for matchmaking are received, especially from women.
Other Benefits
- Good Fortune and Prosperity
- Protection from Evil
- Business Prosperity (e.g., service industries)
Points to Note When Visiting
How to Visit
- Bow before passing through the torii gate
- Purify your body and mind at the water basin (Right hand → Left hand → Mouth → Left hand → Handle of the ladle)
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once in front of the main hall
- Offer your prayers with gratitude
Highlights and Points of Interest
Performing Arts Monuments
The shrine grounds contain several stone monuments and memorials donated by people involved in the performing arts, demonstrating the deep faith in the shrine as a deity of performing arts.
Sacred Tree for Matchmaking
The shrine grounds contain a sacred tree believed to have the power to bring good fortune in love, attracting many visitors seeking a suitable partner.
A Serene Atmosphere
Although a subsidiary shrine within the grounds of Sarutahiko Shrine, it boasts an independent space, allowing for a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere during worship.
Recommended Visiting Times
- Early Morning (8:00-9:00): Fewer visitors, allowing for quiet worship.
- Weekday Mornings: Less crowded than weekends.
- Evening (After 16:00): The setting sun creates a mystical atmosphere.
Items Offered and Amulets
Main Items Offered
- Performing Arts Amulet: An amulet for improvement in performing arts and other artistic pursuits.
- Matchmaking Amulet: An amulet for good relationships and successful love.
- Goshuin (Shrine Seal): Available at the Sarutahiko Shrine office.
The office for receiving these items is the Sarutahiko Shrine office. A special Goshuin for Sarume Shrine is also available.
Access & Basic Information
Location
2-1-10 Ujiurata, Ise City, Mie Prefecture 516-0026 (Within the grounds of Sarutahiko Shrine)
Transportation Access
Access by Train
- From Kintetsu/JR “Ise-shi Station”: Approximately 15 minutes on foot, or approximately 5 minutes by bus, get off at “Sarutahiko Shrine” bus stop.
- From Kintetsu “Ujiyamada Station”: Approximately 20 minutes on foot, or approximately 7 minutes by bus, get off at “Sarutahiko Shrine” bus stop.
Access by Bus
- Get off at the “Sarutahiko Shrine” bus stop (Mie Kotsu Bus), short walk.
- Accessible via the Outer Shrine/Inner Shrine Loop Bus from Ise-shi Station and Ujiyamada Station.
Access by Car
- From Ise Expressway “Ise IC”: Approximately 5 minutes.
- From Ise Expressway “Ise-nishi IC”: Approximately 7 minutes.
Parking
- Sarutahiko Shrine Visitor Parking: Free (approx. 30 spaces)
- Use nearby paid parking lots during peak hours
Visiting Hours and Admission Fee
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is open from 9:00 to 17:00)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Closed Days: None
Contact Information
- Phone: 0596-22-2554 (Sarutahiko Shrine)
- Official Website: Information is available on the Sarutahiko Shrine official website
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Sarutahiko Shrine
The main shrine where Sarume Shrine is located. It enshrines Sarutahiko-no-Okami, worshipped as the god of guidance.
Ise Grand Shrine (Naiku)
Approximately 10 minutes on foot. Japan’s most prestigious shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu-Omikami.
Okage Yokocho
Approximately 5 minutes on foot. A tourist spot where you can enjoy Ise’s famous Akabuku mochi and Ise udon noodles.
Oharai-machi
A thriving approach to the Inner Shrine, lined with souvenir shops and restaurants.
Points to Note When Visiting
- As it is a subsidiary shrine of Sarutahiko Shrine, the proper order is to first visit the main hall of Sarutahiko Shrine before visiting Sarume Shrine.
- Photography is permitted, but please remember to consider other visitors.
- It gets crowded during New Year’s and long weekends, so please allow plenty of time when visiting.
- Take precautions against the heat in summer and the cold in winter.
Summary
Sarume Shrine is a hidden power spot in Ise, dedicated to Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto, the goddess of performing arts and matchmaking. By visiting both Sarutahiko Shrine and Sarume Shrine, you can receive blessings for both opening paths (Sarutahiko-no-Okami) and performing arts/matchmaking (Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto).
When you visit Ise Grand Shrine, be sure to extend your trip and visit Sarume Shrine as well. It is especially recommended for those working in the entertainment industry and those seeking good fortune in love.
