Complete Guide to Sakai Shrine (Niigata Prefecture) | Thorough Explanation of Deities, Goshuin (Shrine Seals), Access, and History
Located at 1-1-1 Sakai Sunayama, Nishi-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, Sakai Shrine is a beloved local guardian shrine. Known as a rare shrine nationwide that enshrines the deities of both Ise Grand Shrine and Izumo Grand Shrine, it welcomes visitors with a tranquil space surrounded by lush greenery. This article provides detailed information useful for visiting Sakai Shrine, including its history, enshrined deities, goshuin (shrine seals), prayers, annual events, and access methods.
Basic Information about Sakai Shrine
Location and Access
Address: 1-1-1 Sakai Sunayama, Nishi-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture 950-2044
Phone Number: 025-269-2111 (Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
FAX: 025-268-4454
Transportation Access
Access by Train
Approximately 10-11 minutes on foot (approx. 752m) from JR Echigo Line “Niigata University Station” (Shindaimae Station). After exiting the station and passing through the residential area, you will see the lush green grove of the shrine.
Access by Car
Parking is available. There is ample parking space on the shrine grounds, making it easy to visit by car. The shrine is barrier-free, allowing easy access for wheelchair users to the front of the main hall.
Visiting Hours and Prayer Reception
Visiting Hours: Open all day
Prayer Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Payment Method: Cash only
Deities Enshrined at Sakai Shrine
The most distinctive feature of Sakai Shrine is that it enshrines the deities of both Ise Grand Shrine and Izumo Grand Shrine, two of Japan’s most representative sacred sites. This is extremely rare nationwide, and it is said to be a shrine where visitors can receive great divine blessings.
Main Deities
Amaterasu Omikami
The deity enshrined at Ise Grand Shrine. The supreme deity in Japanese mythology, a god who personifies the sun. Revered as the ancestral deity of the Imperial family, she bestows divine blessings of national peace and security, abundant harvests, and good fortune.
Okuninushi no Okami
The deity enshrined at Izumo Grand Shrine. Known as the god of nation-building, he bestows blessings for matchmaking, business prosperity, family safety, and healing from illness. He is affectionately known as “Daikoku-sama.”
Enshrined Deities
Sugawara no Michizane Known as the god of learning, he bestows blessings for academic success and passing exams.
Ukanomitama no Mikoto Known as the Inari god, he bestows blessings for abundant harvests and business prosperity.
Due to these enshrined deities, Sakai Shrine is revered by the local people as a shrine that bestows a wide range of blessings, including family safety, business prosperity, academic success, and matchmaking.
History of Sakai Shrine
From Founding to Promotion as a Village Shrine
Sakai Shrine has ancient origins and has long been worshipped as the local tutelary deity. Following the reorganization of shrines during the Meiji era, in October 1917 (Taisho 6), it was elevated to the status of a village shrine in Sakaiwa Village, Nishikanbara District, establishing its position as the guardian shrine of Sakaiwa Village.
Post-War Development
In 1946 (Showa 21), it became a religious corporation, Sakai Shrine, and came under the jurisdiction of the Association of Shinto Shrines. After the war, the Sakaiwa area (present-day Nishi Ward, Niigata City) rapidly developed as a commuter town for Niigata City, and the population increased from the late 1950s. Along with this, the number of worshippers also increased year by year.
Reconstruction of Shrine Buildings
In 1974 (Showa 49), due to the dilapidation of the shrine buildings, repairs and reconstructions were carried out on the main hall, offering hall, and worship hall, and the work was completed in April 1975 (Showa 50). The current shrine buildings were renovated at that time, and the clean and well-maintained grounds welcome visitors.
Guide to Sakai Shrine Grounds
Worship Hall and Main Sanctuary
The shrine buildings, rebuilt in 1974, adhere to traditional shrine architectural styles while incorporating modern functionality. The barrier-free design, allowing wheelchair access to the front of the worship hall, demonstrates consideration for all visitors.
Guardian Grove
Despite being located in a residential area, Sakai Shrine is surrounded by a lush, green guardian grove. In the increasingly urbanized Nishi Ward, it serves as a valuable natural space and a place of relaxation for local residents. The grounds, surrounded by trees, are filled with a tranquil atmosphere, providing a peaceful environment for worship.
Shrine Office
The shrine office handles the issuance of Goshuin (shrine stamps) and amulets, as well as prayer requests. Reception hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The friendly and courteous service ensures that even first-time visitors can feel at ease.
About Goshuin (Shrine Seals)
Sakai Shrine offers Goshuin. Many visitors receive them as a memento of their visit and as proof of their connection with the shrine.
Goshuin Issuance Hours
Shrine Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Goshuin are handwritten (though pre-printed seals may be available depending on the situation).
Features of Goshuin
Sakai Shrine’s Goshuin features the shrine’s name and date of visit written in ink, along with the shrine’s seal. Its simple yet dignified design makes it a cherished addition to many Goshuin collections.
Prayers and Sorrows
Sakai Shrine accepts various prayers and blessings. You can receive careful prayers from Shinto priests according to life’s milestones and wishes.
Main Types of Prayers
- Family Safety: Prayers for the health and safety of the family
- Business Prosperity: Prayers for the development and prosperity of the business
- Traffic Safety: Blessing of the car and prayers for safe driving
- Exorcism/Protection from Misfortune: Protection from misfortune during unlucky years
- Academic Success/Prayers for Passing Exams: Prayers for passing exams and academic improvement
- Safe Childbirth: Prayers for the safety of the pregnant woman and fetus
- First Shrine Visit: Prayers for the healthy growth of the baby
- Shichi-Go-San Ceremony: Prayers for gratitude for the child’s growth and for future health
- Recovery from Illness: Prayers for recovery from illness
- Matchmaking: Prayers for successful matchmaking
How to Request a Prayer
Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Reservations: Advance reservations are recommended, but same-day registration is also possible. Offering Fee: Varies depending on the type of prayer; please inquire at the shrine office.
Phone: 025-269-2111
Amulets and Talismans
Sakai Shrine offers various amulets, including those for family safety and business prosperity. By enshrining the amulet on your household altar, you can receive divine protection for your home.
Annual Events and Festivals
Sakai Shrine holds various festivals and events throughout the year. As the guardian shrine of the region, we perform Shinto rituals at seasonal turning points, praying for the peace and prosperity of the community.
Main Annual Events
January
- New Year’s Day Festival: Prayers for happiness in the new year
- First Shrine Visit of the Year: Bustling with many worshippers
February
- Setsubun Festival: Purifying evil spirits and inviting good fortune
- Kinensai Festival: Praying for a bountiful harvest
Spring
- Spring Grand Festival: An important festival of the shrine
July
- Summer Purification Ceremony: Purifying sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months
Autumn
- Autumn Grand Festival: A festival of gratitude for the harvest
November
- Shichi-Go-San Festival: Celebrating the growth of children (mid-October to mid-November)
- Niiname-sai Festival: Offering the new harvest to the gods
December
- Oharai Ceremony: Purifying sins and impurities accumulated over the past year
For detailed dates of festivals, please check the official website or call. ## About On-Site Ceremonies
Sakai Shrine offers on-site ceremonies at your home, company, construction site, etc.
Types of On-Site Ceremonies
- Groundbreaking Ceremony: Prayers for the safety of construction work and the prosperity of the building
- Roof-Raising Ceremony: Celebration of the completion of the building’s framework and prayers for future construction safety
- Completion Ceremony: Celebration of the building’s completion and prayers for long-lasting prosperity
- Shinto Altar Ceremony: Purification ceremony for the installation of a new Shinto altar
- House Purification Ceremony: Purification ceremony for a new home or office
- Well Filling Purification Ceremony: Purification ceremony when filling in a well
- Demolition Purification Ceremony: Purification ceremony before the demolition of a building
If you wish to have an on-site ceremony, please consult with the shrine in advance regarding the date and location.
Attractions Around Sakai Shrine
Niigata University
A national university that gave its name to Niigata University Station. The vast campus boasts abundant greenery, making it ideal for leisurely strolls. It also exudes the vibrant energy of a student town.
Sakaiwa District Residential Area
Developed as a commuter town for Niigata City after the war, this area features well-organized residential neighborhoods. Sakaiwa Shrine serves as a central place of worship and the heart of the local community.
Nearby Restaurants and Commercial Facilities
Around Niigata University Station, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores catering to students, perfect for a stop before or after visiting the shrine.
Manners and Etiquette for Visiting the Shrine
How to Pass Through the Torii Gate
The torii gate marks the entrance to the sacred area. Bow before passing through the gate, and walk along the sides of the path, as the center (seichu) is considered the path of the gods.
Proper Ritual for Washing Hands
- Hold the ladle in your right hand and wash your left hand.
- Switch the ladle to your left hand and wash your right hand.
- Switch the ladle back to your right hand, receive water in your left hand, and rinse your mouth.
- Wash your left hand again.
- Hold the ladle upright, wash the handle, and return it to its original position.
Proper Ritual for Worshiping at the Main Hall
- Gently place your offering in the offering box.
- If there is a bell, ring it.
- Two bows (two deep bows at a 90-degree angle).
- Two claps (two claps at chest height).
- One bow (one deep bow at a 90-degree angle).
This “two bows, two claps, one bow” is the basic ritual for worship.
Features and Charms of Sakai Shrine
Deities Enshrined at Both Ise Grand Shrine and Izumo Grand Shrine
The most distinctive feature of Sakai Shrine is that it enshrines both Amaterasu Omikami (Ise Grand Shrine) and Okuninushi Omikami (Izumo Grand Shrine), the deities of two of Japan’s most representative sacred sites. This rare combination allows visitors to receive the blessings of both the sun goddess and the power of the god of nation-building.
Barrier-Free Access
The barrier-free design, allowing wheelchair access to the front of the main hall, demonstrates the shrine’s consideration for all. Elderly visitors and those with disabilities can visit with peace of mind.
A Community-Rooted Guardian Shrine
Since 1917 (Taisho 6), it has served as the guardian shrine of Sakaiwa Village (now Nishi Ward, Niigata City), attracting the faith of the local people. It is a spiritual center for the community, visited during important life events such as New Year’s visits, Shichi-Go-San (a traditional rite of passage for children), and exorcisms.
A Tranquil Space in the City
Located in a residential area, yet surrounded by a lush, verdant forest, the shrine grounds offer a tranquil space that allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city. It provides an environment conducive to peaceful worship.
Points to Note When Visiting Sakai Shrine
Attire
While casual attire is acceptable, formal attire or something similar is preferred if you are receiving prayers. Please avoid sandals and shorts.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but please refrain from taking photos inside the main hall or during prayers. Also, please be considerate of other worshippers.
Payment
Only cash is accepted, so please prepare cash in advance.
Inquiries
For any questions or further details, we recommend contacting the shrine by phone in advance.
Phone: 025-269-2111 (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
Summary: The Charm of Sakai Shrine
Located at 1-1-1 Sakai Sunayama, Nishi-ku, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture, Sakai Shrine is a rare shrine nationwide that enshrines the deities of both Ise Grand Shrine and Izumo Grand Shrine. Since 1917 (Taisho 6), it has been revered as the guardian shrine of the region and continues to attract many worshippers today.
With its tranquil grounds surrounded by lush greenery, barrier-free access, and a wide range of divine blessings from family safety and business prosperity to academic success and matchmaking, Sakai Shrine is a place of solace to visit at various milestones in life.
It’s easily accessible, about a 10-minute walk from Niigata University Station on the JR Echigo Line, and has ample parking. Whether you live in Nishi-ku, Niigata City, or are visiting Niigata, we highly recommend a visit. You’re sure to have a peaceful and comforting experience.
