Shonai Shrine

Shonai Shrine has been revered by the people for 250 years of good governance by the Sakai family, the feudal lord. However, with the end of the feudal system in the late Edo period, that good governance also came to an end. Nevertheless, respect and admiration for the former lord remained strong, and in 1877, the Shonai Shrine was built on the site of Tsurugaoaka Castle's main keep, which was a place associated with the feudal lord. This shrine is the tutelary deity of Dewa Province's Shonai region and has been cherished as a spiritual sanctuary for the people. Shonai Shrine is known as a god of good fortune, domestic harmony, and industrial prosperity, and it attracts many people's faith. Inside the shrine's precincts, historically valuable items and classical cultural properties are displayed, allowing visitors to touch on the region's history and culture. Shonai Shrine is an important religious facility in Tsuruoka City and a spiritual sanctuary for the local people. People come here to offer prayers, seek the protection and blessings of the gods, and wish for happiness and prosperity. The existence of Shonai Shrine is deeply rooted in the history and culture of Tsuruoka City, and its importance and value are still widely recognized today. For visitors, this shrine is a place of peace and hope for the heart.

Tsuruoka Shrine is located within the beautiful Tsuruoka Park. Tsuruoka Park is a castle park that was developed on the site of the Sakai family's castle, and there are various attractions within its vast grounds. Tsuruoka Park is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms, selected as one of the top 100 cherry blossom spots in Japan, and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring. You can enjoy cherry blossom viewing and strolling in the park, where cherry blossom trees are lined up. Not only Tsuruoka Shrine, but also shrines related to the Sakai family are enshrined in Tsuruoka Park. These shrines have historical value and symbolize the faith and culture of the region. In addition, Tsuruoka Park has a large lawn square and a pond, where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the scenery of the four seasons. It is an ideal environment for walking and picnicking, and it is a place of relaxation for local people and tourists. Tsuruoka Shrine and Tsuruoka Park are important spots that convey the history and culture of Tsuruoka City, and they are a special existence for local people. For visitors, the beautiful scenery and historical atmosphere are attractive, and you can spend a peaceful time there!

The Treasure Hall of Shonai Shrine is a facility that opened in 1998 and is located next to the main shrine of the shrine. This Treasure Hall was established to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the enshrinement. Many valuable treasures dedicated by the former feudal lord Sakai family are on display in the Treasure Hall. These include items of historical value, allowing you to catch a glimpse of the history and culture of the Sakai family. In addition, dolls such as hina dolls, hina tools, May dolls, and earthen dolls dedicated from the old house are also on display. These dolls play an important role in conveying regional customs and events, possessing traditional techniques and beauty. Furthermore, the Treasure Hall exhibits approximately 2,000 items such as the Tsuruoka Castle town map and large votive tablets from the castle period, changing the exhibits every month. This allows visitors to touch on various cultures and histories of different eras. The Treasure Hall of Shonai Shrine preserves and exhibits the historical heritage of Tsuruoka City, and is treasured as a local treasure. For visitors, it becomes a valuable experience to touch on the rich history and culture.

The main festival at Shonai Shrine is the "Shonai Daijingu Festival," held every year in August. This festival commemorates the founding of Shonai Shrine in Meiji 10. The Shonai Daijingu Festival consists of two parts: the eve festival and the main festival. During the eve festival, various rituals and traditional performing arts are dedicated. Local people perform energetic performances and priests perform rituals to liven up the festival atmosphere. During the main festival, the Shonai feudal lord procession, faithfully reproducing the daimyo procession of the former feudal lord, is held. A total of 400 people participate, dressed in gorgeous costumes, and the walking procession is truly a magnificent sight to behold. This procession shows a grand scene of a historical picture scroll in the castle town of Tsuruoka. The Shonai Daijingu Festival is a traditional event that has been served by citizens for over a hundred years since it began as a festival commemorating the founding of Shonai Shrine. As a symbolic festival of Tsuruoka City, it is a source of pride for the region and attracts many visitors, bringing liveliness to the area. The Shonai Daijingu Festival is loved as a valuable festival that conveys the history and culture of the region through luxurious events and traditional performing arts!

Located near the Shonai Shrine, the Oshiro Inari Shrine was established in 1708 during the fifth year of the Ho'ei era. This shrine is enshrined within the Tsuruoka Castle and is the only building that remains from the castle's time. The founder of the shrine was Lord Tadamasa Sakai, the sixth lord of the domain, who built the shrine as the guardian deity of the castle. When the Meiji era began, the Tsuruoka Castle was demolished, but the Oshiro Inari Shrine was spared from being abandoned due to the deep reverence of the common people. It is believed to bring good fortune in business and a bountiful harvest, and the many striking scarlet torii gates create a beautiful and unique landscape. The Shonai Shrine is also impressive with its vivid scarlet torii gates lined up, giving visitors joy and inspiration. This shrine is an important place of faith for the local people, and it is believed to fulfill wishes such as prosperity in business and a bountiful harvest. It is also deeply connected to the history and culture of the Tsuruoka Castle, and its existence is a source of pride for the community!