Nagoya, Japan Shrine Visit Report 2026 Showa No.21 Susanoo Jinja Shiomi
Susanoo Shrine (Shiomi-cho) Visit Report — Nagoya, Japan
On 2026-02-16, I visited Susanoo Shrine in Shiomi-cho, Showa Ward, Nagoya. The shrine sits quietly in a residential neighborhood, and from the street you can already see the worship hall beyond the stone torii. In a compact space, stone, wood, and moss gather tightly together—so the silence feels clearly outlined the moment you step inside.
Impressions of the Shrine Grounds
What stood out most here was the weight of stone. From the approach and stonework to the chozubachi water basin, stone lanterns, and the high stone base supporting the main structure, stone seems to hold the air in place. The worship hall sits on a tall stone platform, and the straight staircase naturally pulls your gaze upward.
The temizuya was especially memorable. The water basin is carved from a large natural boulder, with flowing grain lines left visible on the surface. It is not overly polished—the roughness remains as texture. With the dragon spout, ladles, and bamboo frame, everything needed for purification is set in a simple, complete form. I also noticed a quiet “granite stone” presence across the precinct, not as decoration, but as structure and time-worn surface.
Photo Notes
Entrance (Torii Gate and Shrine Name Pillar)
Entrance. A stone torii and fence line the front, and the shrine name pillar reads “Susanoo Shrine.” The site faces the road, with the worship hall visible straight ahead.
Worship Hall (High Stone Base and Front Staircase)
Worship hall. A tall stone platform and a straight front staircase. Small komainu guardian dogs sit on both sides, tightening the symmetry of the approach.
Temizuya (Purification Basin with Dragon Spout)
Temizuya. A large stone basin with ladles, bamboo frame, and a dragon spout. The grain pattern of the stone is left visible and becomes part of the impression.
Stone Lantern (Ishidoro) in the Precinct
A tall stone lantern stands within the grounds, with bold carved characters on the shaft. The roof has strong curves and rolled edges, and the way moss settles along the ridgeline shows the passage of time. Some parts of the inscription are difficult to read clearly from the photos, but the dedication carving itself is unmistakable and gives the lantern a firm presence.
Stone Lantern (Inscribed Shaft)
Stone lantern. A strongly curved roof and large carved characters on the shaft. Positioned close to the worship hall platform, it naturally draws attention.
Stone Lantern (Moss and Weathered Surface)
Stone lantern. Moss and weathering appear along the roof lines, creating deeper shadows. The texture blends naturally with the surrounding gravel and stonework.
Komainu Guardian Dogs (Stone Statues)
In front of the worship hall, a pair of komainu sits on the stone platform. They are small in scale compared to the staircase and base, but they anchor the composition on both sides. In a precinct where stone structures already dominate, the komainu add a clear “front line” at the top of the approach.
History Timeline (AD)
| Year (AD) | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1781 | According to shrine tradition, the shrine is said to have been founded under Owari Domain lord Tokugawa Munemitsu. |
| 1856 | It is said that Owari Domain lord Tokugawa Yoshikatsu offered ritual tribute through a senior retainer acting as a proxy. |
| After 1868 | After the end of the domain system, rites are said to have shifted to local residents, and the shrine is said to have been renamed from “Tenno-sha” to “Susanoo-sha.” |
| 1899 | Relocated (April). It is said to have moved from the Kurumamichi area to its current location in Shiomi-cho. |
Enshrined Deities
| Name | Reading (reference) | Common attributes (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| Takehayasusanoo-no-Mikoto | Takehaya Susanoo no Mikoto | Often associated in folk belief with protection from misfortune and warding off epidemics. |
| Kamurogi-no-Mikoto | Kamurogi no Mikoto | Transmitted as one of a paired set representing sacred origin and generation. |
| Kamuro-mi-no-Mikoto | Kamuro-mi no Mikoto | Transmitted as the counterpart within the paired tradition. |
Short Summary
Susanoo Shrine (Shiomi-cho) is close to the street and modest in size, but inside the precinct, stone changes the atmosphere. The tall stone base of the worship hall, the boulder-carved purification basin, and the inscribed stone lantern all convey quiet strength through surfaces shaped by long use—not through showy ornament. It is a place where the texture of stone holds the memory of time.
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Written on: 2026-02-19 (JST)