Complete Guide to Susanoo Shrines | Major Susanoo Shrines Nationwide and the Worship of Susanoo
Susanoo shrines are shrines dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a heroic deity in Japanese mythology. Numerous such shrines exist throughout Japan, each deeply intertwined with local history. This article comprehensively explains the history, beliefs, and characteristics of major Susanoo shrines across Japan.
What are Susanoo Shrines?
Susanoo shrines are a general term for shrines of the Gion faith that enshrine Gozu Tenno or Susanoo. The spelling varies depending on the region and shrine, including “素盞嗚神社,” “素戔嗚神社,” “素盞鳴神社,” “素戔鳴神社,” and “須佐之男神社.” Many shrines also feature the character “戔” instead of “盞” for the second character, and “鳴” (with a bird’s mouth) instead of “嗚” (with a crow’s mouth) for the third character.
Gion Faith and Susanoo Shrines
Gion faith is a belief system that prays for the eradication of epidemics, based on the syncretic Shinto-Buddhist idea of identifying Gozu Tenno and Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Examples of shrine names based on Gion faith include:
- Yasaka Shrine (Yasaka Shrine, Yasaka Shrine)
- Gion Shrine
- Hiromine Shrine
- Tenno Shrine
- Yakumo Shrine
- Suga Shrine
These shrine names were common across different eras and documents, and may vary by region.
Susanoo Shrine, the Ichinomiya (First Shrine) of Bingo Province (Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
History and Origin
Located in Shin’ichi-cho, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Susanoo Shrine, the Ichinomiya (first shrine) of Bingo Province, has been affectionately known as “Tenno-san of Tode” by the local people since ancient times. It is said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Tenmu (673-686) and rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Daigo (897-930).
The Susanoo Shrine listed as one shrine in Fukatsu District in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (a list of shrines compiled in the Heian period) refers to this shrine, giving it the status of a Shikinaisha (a shrine listed in the Engishiki). It is also known as one of the three Gion shrines of Bingo Province.
The Setting of the Somin Shōrai Legend
This is a venerable ancient shrine steeped in mythology, serving as the setting for the Somin Shōrai legend found in the Bingo Fudoki (a regional gazetteer). According to shrine tradition, the shrine was founded in 679. Later, in 734 (Tenpyo 6), Kibi no Makibi, an envoy to Tang China, invited the deity from Susanoo Shrine to Hiromine Shrine in Harima Province. Furthermore, in 869 (Jogan 11), it is said that Gozu Tenno (Susanoo-no-Mikoto) was invited from Hiromine Shrine to Kanshin-in Temple (present-day Yasaka Shrine) in Gion, Heian-kyo.
Due to this tradition, Susanoo Shrine in Bingo Province holds an important position as one of the origins of Gion faith throughout Japan.
Deities and Benefits
The deities enshrined at Susanoo Shrine, the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Bingo Province, are the following three:
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto: The principal deity. God of protection against misfortune, eradication of disease, and lasting military fortune
- Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto: The consort of Susanoo-no-Mikoto. God of matchmaking and family safety
- Hachioji-no-Mikoto: The son of Susanoo-no-Mikoto
Shrine Grounds Guide and Highlights
The shrine grounds contain the main hall, the worship hall, and many subsidiary shrines. A solemn atmosphere, reflecting the history since its founding in the 600s, permeates the grounds, welcoming visitors. The shrine grounds guide highlights many points of interest, including historical buildings and sacred trees.
God of Protection Against Misfortune and the Origin of the Chino-wa Kuguri Ritual
Susanoo Shrine is widely worshipped as a god of protection against misfortune, and is especially known as the birthplace of the Chino-wa Kuguri ritual. The ritual of passing through a ring of reeds, based on the legend of Somin Shōrai, remains an important annual event, known as Nagoshi no Harae (summer purification), attracting many worshippers.
Susanoo Shrine (Arakawa Ward, Tokyo)
The Susanoo Shrine, located in Arakawa Ward, Tokyo, enshrines Susanoo-no-Ōkami and Asuka-no-Ōkami. It boasts the largest parish area in Arakawa Ward and is revered as the guardian shrine of the region.
Characteristics and Beliefs
As one of the centers of Susanoo worship in Tokyo, it continues to preserve traditional festivals and rituals dating back to the Edo period. Despite its urban location, the shrine grounds maintain a tranquil atmosphere, offering peace and solace to worshippers.
Susanoo Shrine (Koshien, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture)
Located in Koshien, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, Susanoo Shrine boasts a history of over 400 years and has continuously protected the Koshien area. It enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a god renowned for his military prowess, and is believed to have been built to calm the turbulent tributaries of the Mukogawa River and the high tides from the sea.
As the God of Baseball
Due to its proximity to Koshien Stadium, it is also known as the “Hanshin Tigers Shrine,” and baseball-themed amulets and votive tablets are popular. Many sports figures and baseball fans visit to pray for victory, and it also attracts worshippers as the god of sports.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto Shrine (Suita City, Osaka Prefecture)
The Susanoo-no-Mikoto Shrine, located in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, is a historical shrine whose main hall is designated as a tangible cultural property by Suita City. The deity enshrined in the main hall is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and it is a center of local faith.
Cultural Value
The shrine is protected as a valuable cultural property, preserving the characteristics of Edo period shrine architecture, including its architectural style and carvings.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto Shrine (Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture)
The Susanoo-no-Mikoto Shrine, located in Shikahata, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, is said to have originated in 1575 (Tensho 3) as the guardian shrine of Shikahata. The enshrined deity is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and Okuninushi-no-Mikoto is also enshrined in a subsidiary shrine.
As the Guardian Shrine of the Region
Nestled in a tranquil environment at the foot of Mount Ikoma, this shrine serves as the center of faith for local residents, with seasonal festivals held throughout the year.
Susanoo Shrine (Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture)
Located in Izumi, in the northern part of Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture, near the confluence of the Izumi River, Tanogawa River, and Keikoku River, this shrine enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Surrounded by tall trees, the serene grounds retain a lantern of Gozu Tenno from the era of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism.
The Sacred Katsura Tree
The gigantic katsura tree, the sacred tree to the left of the torii gate, is designated a natural monument of Osaka Prefecture and is a magnificent giant boasting an age of several hundred years. It creates a landscape where nature and faith are integrated.
Susanoo Shrine (Okayama Prefecture)
Several Susanoo Shrines are also located in Okayama Prefecture. These shrines, including those dedicated to the guardian deity of the Akura clan, are deeply intertwined with the history of their respective regions. Many also have Inari shrines as subsidiary shrines, demonstrating a complex form of worship.
List of Major Susanoo Shrines Nationwide
Major Susanoo Shrines
Numerous shrines bearing the name “Susanoo Shrine” are located throughout Japan. The main shrines include the following:
- Susanoo Shrine, Ichinomiya of Bingo Province (Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture): Shikinaisha (shrine listed in the Engishiki), Ichinomiya of Bingo Province
- Susanoo Shrine (Koshien, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture): Known as the god of baseball
- Susanoo Shrine (Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture): Founded in 1575
- Susanoo Shrine (Takatsuki City, Osaka Prefecture): The sacred Katsura tree is a natural monument
- Susanoo Shrine (Okayama Prefecture): Guardian deity of the Akura clan
Main Susanoo Shrines
There are also shrines in various locations that use the notation “素戔嗚神社”. Using the character “戔” may preserve an older form of notation.
Main Susanoo Shrines (Susanoo-no-Mikoto/Susanoo-no-Mikoto)
There are also many shrines that use the character “鳴”. The use of “鳴” (with a bird’s mouth) instead of “嗚” (with a crow’s mouth) is thought to emphasize the connection to thunder (kami-nori).
Main Susanoo Shrines
The Susanoo Shrine in Arakawa Ward, Tokyo, is a representative example. The use of the character “雄” (o) expresses masculine strength.
Main Susanoo Shrines/Susanoo Shrines
Some shrines use the spellings “須佐男” (Susanoo) and “須佐之男” (Susanoo). These reflect variations in the spelling of the deity’s name in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
About Susanoo-no-Mikoto
Susanoo-no-Mikoto is a deity appearing in Japanese mythology, born as the son of Izanagi-no-Mikoto. Known as the younger brother of Amaterasu-Omikami, he is depicted as a fierce and heroic god with exceptional martial prowess.
The Myth of the Slaying of the Eight-Headed Serpent
The most famous myth of Susanoo-no-Mikoto is his slaying of the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi in Izumo Province. To save Kushinadahime from being sacrificed, he slayed the eight-headed serpent and obtained the Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi (later known as the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi) sword from its tail. From this myth, Susanoo-no-Mikoto is worshipped as a god of protection against misfortune, disaster, and long-lasting military fortune.
God of Protection Against Plagues
In the legend of Somin Shōrai, when Susanoo-no-Mikoto sought lodging during his travels, he taught Somin Shōrai, who, despite his poverty, warmly welcomed him, that “wearing a ring of reeds around your waist will protect you from plagues.” From this legend, Susanoo-no-Mikoto is also revered as a god of protection against plagues, and the custom of passing through a ring of reeds during the summer purification ritual originated.
Annual Events at Susanoo Shrine
Nagoshi no Harae (Summer Purification Ritual)
Held on June 30th, the Nagoshi no Harae is an important Shinto ritual at Susanoo Shrine. Participants pass through a ring of reeds to purify themselves of sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months and pray for good health and protection from illness for the remaining half of the year.
Autumn Grand Festival
Many Susanoo Shrines hold their grand festival in the autumn. These lively festivals, featuring portable shrine processions and devotional performances, preserve local traditions.
New Year’s Visit and Prayers for Protection from Evil
Many worshippers visit the shrine for their first shrine visit of the new year. Those in their unlucky years, in particular, often visit to pray for protection from evil, with worshippers gathering from all over the country seeking the powerful protection of Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
Visiting Susanoo Shrine
Etiquette for Worship
When visiting Susanoo Shrine, follow the general etiquette for visiting a shrine:
- Bow before passing through the torii gate
- Purify your body and mind at the water basin (temizuya)
- Bow twice, clap twice, and bow once in front of the main hall (haiden)
- State your wish specifically in your mind
- Bow once again at the torii gate when leaving
Prayers and Amulets
Many Susanoo Shrines accept various prayers, such as prayers for protection against misfortune, family safety, business prosperity, and traffic safety. They also offer unique amulets based on the Susanoo faith, such as amulets for warding off evil and amulets made of reed rings.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Main Hall and Worship Hall
Many of the main halls of Susanoo Shrines were built during the Edo and Meiji periods, preserving the traditional style of shrine architecture. Daily prayers and festivals are held in the worship hall.
Subsidiary Shrines
Besides the main shrine, many shrine grounds contain various subsidiary shrines, such as Inari shrines, Hachiman shrines, and Tenmangu shrines, making them places of multifaceted worship.
Sacred Trees and Nature
Many Susanoo Shrines have sacred trees hundreds of years old, some designated as natural monuments. The shrine’s forest also plays a role in preserving the valuable natural environment of the region.
Access and Visiting Information
Access information for each Susanoo Shrine can be found on their respective official websites or tourist association pages. Many shrines are located within walking distance of train stations or accessible by car. Visiting hours are generally flexible, but it is recommended to check in advance if you wish to receive prayers or blessings. ## Summary
Susanoo Shrines, dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a heroic deity in Japanese mythology, are located throughout Japan. Known for their blessings of protection against misfortune, eradication of disease, and lasting military fortune, they are also important places of worship as the birthplace of the Chino-wa Kuguri (passing through a ring of reeds). Susanoo Shrines throughout Japan, including the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Bingo Province, each preserve the history and traditions of their respective regions, and continue to attract many worshippers today.
While the name can be written in various ways, such as “素盞嗚,” “素戔嗚,” “素盞鳴,” and “素戔鳴,” they all enshrine the same deity and are part of the Gion faith. Why not visit a Susanoo Shrine near you and experience traditional Japanese faith and history?
