2025.04.10

Gods of Ise Province (2) Tsubaki Grand Shrine Part 1

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We left Tado Taisha and drove to our next destination. The goal is to sit in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, and is an ancient shrine, Tsubaki Okami no Yashiro. From Tado Taisha, it's about a 40-minute drive along a lush mountain road. The view from the train window was a series of mountains covered with deep greenery, and the villages scattered among them created a nostalgic scenery. Forgetting the hustle and bustle of the city and feeling the breath of nature, I was looking forward to the Tsubaki Grand Shrine.

Article Contents

Sanctuary of Another Dimension – Tsubaki Dai Shrine Worship Record
- Main Shrine ・ Face-to-face with Sarutahiko Okami

Sanctuary of Another Dimension – Tsubaki Dai Shrine Worship Record

Tsubaki Daijinja Shrine is known as one of the oldest shrines in Japan, also known as Sarutahiko Daihongu, which is the Ichinomiya shrine in Ise Province. It has a long history, and is said to date back to the age of the gods, and has been revered by people since ancient times. As a shrine dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami, the god of opening the way, it is said to have various benefits such as good luck in removing evil, traffic safety, and prosperous business, and is visited by many worshippers. I also decided to visit this place because I had a strong desire to experience its history and sacred atmosphere.

When I arrived at the Tsubaki Grand Shrine, the first thing that caught my eye was the tranquil space surrounded by dense trees. Hundreds of years old cedars and cypresses tower, and the approach road continues to weave between them. The air was clear, and every time I took a deep breath, I felt a refreshing sensation as if my mind and body were being purified. The torii gate at the entrance of the shrine was beautifully painted with vermilion, and it looked like a portal to another world. The moment I passed through the torii gate, I bowed quietly, raising my anticipation for the mysterious experience that was about to begin.

According to historical records, Tsubaki Dai Shrine is located in the central part of Japan, and is derived from the auspiciousness of Sarutahiko Ōkami, the national deity since ancient times, whose base was Takayama Irido Take, and Tanyama Tsubakigatake. Based on the oracle of Yamatohime Mikoto, it was founded in the 27th year of Emperor Taruhito (3rd year BC), and is truly the oldest imperial palace in Japan, the Enki Shikinaisha Shrine, and the first palace in Ise Province. It is said that the gods of the Emperor Shomu, the Kokuji Shrine, the Kujo Family Prayer Hall, the reverence of feudal lords such as Honda, Itakura, and Ishikawa, and the protection of the Sacred Shrine of the Metropolitan Police Department, the Shrine of the Sacred Spirits, and the protection of the Disaster Relief Mansion, have appeared in the world since ancient times.

At the beginning of the Meiji era, there was an unfortunate omission in the investigation, but as a result of a field survey conducted by each officer from the Ministry of the Interior of the Jingu Shrine in Showa 10, it was confirmed that it was the main shrine of Tenchi Sarutahiko Okami. The festival is held on the 1st, 11th, and 21st, and the tradition of Shinsei Sōden is continued by the Yamamoto Shinto family. Over the course of its long history, Tsubaki Grand Shrine has attracted the faith of many people and overcome various difficulties, and it can be said that it truly symbolizes the history and culture of Japan.

Main Shrine ・ Face-to-face with Sarutahiko Okami

First, we headed to the main shrine. The approach is a gentle slope with mossy stone lanterns on both sides. As I walked slowly along the path where the sun was shining through the trees, I prayed quietly. As I approached the main shrine, the sacred atmosphere increased, and I felt as if my heart was being washed.

The deity of the festival is the main deity, Sarutahiko Ōkami. In the hall, the lives of Nigi and Takuhata Chihime are enshrined, and the lives of Ame-no-Uzume and Konohana Sakuyahime are enshrined as enshrinements. On the front seat, the god Gyomandai Myōjin was enshrined.

It is said that Sarutahiko Ōkami greeted the Heavenly Eight Heavenly Eight Goddesses as "the Great God of the Path" at the time of the advent of the Heavenly Son Gourd, and led the way to Takachiho no Mine. For this reason, as the great god who formed the foundation of the Zhao Kingdom, in the autumn of the 27th year of the 11th Emperor Hirohito (3 BCE), the shrine was dedicated to this place as the "Shrine of the Great God of Dobetsu" by the oracle of the life of the princess. During the reign of Emperor Hitoku, the company was named with the character "Tsubaki" by Reimu, and it continues to this day.

Sarutahiko Ookami is known as the god of opening the way and is believed to guide you to the right path when you are at a crossroads in your life or when you face difficulties. In addition, it is said to have various benefits such as traffic safety, prosperous business, and good luck in removing evil, and is revered by many people.

As the main shrine of more than 2,000 shrines nationwide dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami, I bowed my head deeply and expressed my gratitude on a daily basis. At the same time, I asked for guidance in the future of my life and prayed quietly. The solemn atmosphere of the main shrine and the feeling of being enveloped in divine energy were indescribable. At the back of the main shrine, a sacred tree towering over the shrine that emitted a divine aura, and I was overwhelmed by its presence.

Koryu Shrine – Basking in the breath of the dragon god

After visiting the main shrine, I decided to take a walk around the temple grounds. The first thing that caught my eye was the Kanoeryu Shrine, which is located just after passing through the first torii gate.

Koryu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the Golden Dragon God, the White Dragon Dragon God, and the Black Dragon Dragon God as shrine deities. It is said that a dragon god dwelt in a 400-year-old oak tree and protected the sacred area. The splendid sacred tree made me feel overwhelming power just by its presence.

Since ancient times, Ryujin has been revered as the god of water and fertility. It is also said to have the power to raise one's luck and bring good fortune. By touching the sacred tree of the Koryu Shrine and feeling the energy of the dragon god, I felt that my mind and body were revitalized and new vitality welled up. I also gently touched the sacred tree and asked him to share the power of the dragon god.

Invitation to another dimension – Beyond the second torii gate

After visiting the Koryu Shrine, it was finally time to pass through the second torii gate. The moment I passed through the torii gate, I took my breath away. It was like a different world. In other words, the universe itself. A space of a different dimension, different from the real world, was spreading. The surrounding landscape changes completely, and even the color of the air looks different. I was enveloped in a strange sensation, as if I had traveled back in time.

Both sides of the approach are covered with trees, so dimly lit even in the daytime. However, in the darkness, a mysterious light shone through, creating a fantastic atmosphere. By stepping into this extradimensional space, I felt as if I was forgetting my daily worries and anxieties and freed my mind.

Mifune-Iwaza -- The place of the advent of the gods, touch the mystery

As I walked along the approach, Mifune Iwakura appeared on my left. It is a place where legend has it that in ancient times, a flying ship of the Heavenly Son of the Heavenly Son and his party arrived and led him to Kyushu from this place. Three stones are placed in a rectangular sanctuary covered with ropes and paved with cobblestones, and it is said that they are the rocks that house the three gods enshrined in the Tsubaki Grand Shrine. In the middle of the rock, the Great God of Saruta Hiko is enshrined.

As I approached the Mifune Banda, an overwhelming power rushed through my whole body that I had never felt before. At the same time, I saw a very beautiful light pouring down. Why is there such a beautiful and special place? I was simply overwhelmed by the mysterious sight. I was deeply moved by the sacred place, as if the gods had descended.

This place is the site of the gods of the age of the gods, which is also mentioned in the song "Uzume", and it is a place that has been handed down as the arrival of the ship of the Ryūsuki Son. I felt a strange sensation, as if the world of myth and the real world intersected. I quietly closed my eyes in front of the Mifune Banda and tried to feel the energy of the gods. Then, a gentle sensation spread, as if a warm light was shining into my heart.

Jinnanbi ・The Divine Energy of Tsubakigatake

It is also said that Tsubaki Gatake, which is located behind the main shrine, was enshrined as Kannabi. There are many bands on the slopes of Mt. Iridogake, and they are the remains of ancient beliefs. In Shintoism, Shinnanbi is the area where the spirits (gods and spirits) dwell.

Or, to make the natural environment a divine body as a god. It refers to the sanctuary of the mountain or forest where the god "sits" or "hides and dwells", the forest that serves as a shrine or iwakura, the sacred tree, the forest of the shrine, or the sacred mountain. The whole of Tsubakigatake is full of divine energy.

Takayama Doko Shrine ・ The power that sleeps in the mausoleum of Sarutahiko Ōkami

As I walked further, the Takayama Doko Shrine appeared on my left. This is the place that is said to be the mausoleum of Sarutahiko Okami. The front and rear mounds are the mausoleum of Sarutahiko Okami, and the Yamamoto Shinto family, as a Shinto family directly descended from Okami, has been protecting this mausoleum since the age of the gods.

When I stepped into the Takayama Dogong Shrine, I felt a sense of refreshment, a powerful and great embrace, and a sense of security. I was enveloped in a warm sensation, as if I was being hugged by Sarutahiko Okami. I stood there for a while, quietly closing my eyes. Then there was silence in my heart, and I could feel a deep sense of peace.

Sarutahiko Ōkami is revered as the "ancestor of Michibiki" who brings peace and happiness to all living beings on earth, because he enlightened the Son of Heaven through his relationship with Amaterasu, and also established the Imperial Shrine for the permanent throne of the Imperial Grand Shrine.

It is believed that the earth is a land, a homestead safety protection, a groundbreaking ceremony, architecture, the elimination of disasters, good luck, family safety, no illness and disaster, traffic safety, travel safety, business prosperity, family luck prosperity, prosperity of good relatives and descendants, higher education, and business achievement. In front of the Takayama Tsuchi Shrine, I bowed my head deeply, praying for the blessings of Sarutahiko Ookami.

After visiting the Tsubaki Great Shrine ・ Sanctuary of the Heart

After my visit to the Tsubaki Grand Shrine, I was filled with deep emotion and gratitude. I was able to experience the mysterious space like another dimension, the powerful energy of the gods, and above all, the warm embrace of Sarutahiko Okami. This visit was a precious experience that I will never forget.

Through this visit, I was able to confront myself and clarify my goals for the rest of my life. In addition, I was able to remind myself of my gratitude, which I tend to forget in my daily life. For me, the Tsubaki Grand Shrine has become not just a tourist attraction, but a special place that serves as a place of my heart. From now on, I would like to visit this place from time to time, experience the energy of the gods, and grow myself.

The Tsubaki Shrine was truly a mysterious sanctuary that opened the door to another dimension. In this sacred place, I discovered a new self and gained the courage to take a new step in life.

Epilogue & Subsequent Changes

After this trip, I became more grateful in my daily life. In addition, when faced with difficulties, I am reminded of the energy of the gods of the Tsubaki Great Shrine and am able to face them with courage. Whether I was entrusted with a big project at work or had a hard time with my relationships, I was able to overcome it by remembering the power I felt at Tsubaki Daijinja Shrine. For me, Tsubaki Grand Shrine is a special place that serves as a guidepost in my life. We hope that this visit will spark an interest in Tsubaki Dai Shrine and that many people will visit this wonderful place and feel the energy of the gods. I sincerely hope that each of us will be able to make new discoveries and be moved in our lives and lead a richer life.

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