What is the Stone of Strength at the shrine?

The Stone of Strength is a large moss-covered boulder weighing nearly 190kg located along the stone stairway leading to the shrine. According to legend, 16-year-old Mogami Yoshiaki lifted this massive stone in 1561 to demonstrate his strength. Yoshiaki later became the 11th lord of Yamagata Castle and a powerful daimyo during the Sengoku period. Visitors can see this historic stone as they climb the lantern-lined steps decorated with senryu poetry.

How do I get to Sukawa Onsen Shrine from Tokyo?

From Tokyo Station, take the Yamagata Shinkansen (Tsubasa line) for approximately 2.5 hours to Yamagata Station. From Yamagata Station's East Exit, board the Yanako Bus bound for Zao Onsen, which takes about 35 minutes. The shrine is located at the end of Takayu Street, accessed through a bright red torii gate. Visitors can either climb the stone stairs or drive directly to the upper level by car. If driving from Tokyo, exit at Yamagata Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway and continue for approximately 35 minutes to reach the shrine.

Can I combine a shrine visit with hot spring bathing?

Yes, the shrine is ideally positioned for combining spiritual and therapeutic experiences. It's located directly in front of Kamiyu, the oldest communal bathhouse in Zao Onsen, which sits right at the shrine's torii gate entrance. Zao Onsen has over 1,900 years of bathing history with 47 hot spring sources producing 8,700 tons of water daily. The onsen is famous for its acidic, sulfuric waters known for skin-beautifying properties. Admission to the shrine grounds is free, making it an excellent addition to any hot spring visit in the area.

Sukawa Onsen Shrine, Yamagata

Q: What deities are enshrined at Sukawa Onsen Shrine?

The shrine enshrines four Shinto deities: Okuninushi no Mikoto, Sukuna Hikona no Mikoto, Susanoo no Mikoto, and Kagutsuchi no Kami. The current structure actually combines three shrines into one—Sukawa Onsen Shrine, Zaozan Shrine, and Takiyama Shrine. Worshippers visit the shrine to pray for industrial prosperity, family safety, eliminating troubles, fulfilling romance, and academic success.

4 (102)Shinto ShrinePlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestAssociation Or OrganizationEstablishment

Sukawa Onsen Shrine is one of the historical centerpieces of Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture, believed to have been founded around 834-847 during the early Heian period. Historical records dating back to 863 show that the shrine was highly ranked and regionally important even during that period. Emperor Seiwa's "Sandai Jitsuroku" chronicles mention the shrine, noting "Dewa Province 6th Rank, Sukawa Onsen, God 5th Rank, Lower". The exact construction date is unknown, but hot springs were discovered and gods were enshrined before 873.

The shrine serves as the guardian deity of Zao Onsen and combines three shrines into one: Sukawa Onsen Shrine, Zaozan Shrine, and Takiyama Shrine. Four Shinto deities are enshrined here: Okuninushi no Mikoto, Sukuna Hikona no Mikoto, Susanoo no Mikoto, and Kagutsuchi no Kami. The shrine is revered for promoting industry, family safety, eliminating troubles, fulfilling romance, and improving academics. The site has deep connections to Shugendo, a mountain worship tradition combining elements of shamanism, Shinto, and esoteric Buddhism that became popular in the 800s.

Visitors access the shrine via a bright red torii gate at the end of Takayu Street, followed by a long set of stone stairs. Along the ascent, look for a large moss-covered boulder called the "Stone of Strength" weighing nearly 190kg, reportedly lifted by 16-year-old Mogami Yoshiaki in 1561, who later became the 11th lord of Yamagata Castle. Lanterns line both sides of the stairs, decorated with senryu poems—traditional Japanese short verses that depict human nature and satirize society, contrasting with haiku's focus on natural beauty. In midsummer, the steps are lined with blooming hydrangea bushes.

At the first landing sits the Yakushi Shrine, which was the original Sukawa Onsen Shrine but now houses a sacred statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Healing Buddha) sealed inside. This iron Buddha statue dates to the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and is one of three significant Buddhas in Yamagata Prefecture. The current larger shrine was constructed in 1959 on land donated by Takamiya Group, with the old shrine moved across the road and renamed Yakushi Shrine. From the hilltop location, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the onsen town below.

Zao Onsen has a history of more than 1,900 years and is renowned for its abundant hot water from 47 sources producing 8,700 tons daily. The shrine is conveniently located near Kamiyu, the oldest communal bathhouse, positioned directly in front of the shrine's torii gate. The shrine can be accessed on foot by climbing the stairs or by car, which allows visitors to drive directly to the upper level. Admission to the shrine grounds is free.

From Tokyo Station, take the Yamagata Shinkansen (Tsubasa line) for approximately 2.5 hours to Yamagata Station. From Yamagata Station's East Exit, board the Yanako Bus bound for Zao Onsen, which takes about 35 minutes. By car, the shrine is approximately 35 minutes from the Yamagata Zao IC on the Yamagata Expressway. The shrine is located at an altitude of about 880 meters in the southeastern mountains of Yamagata City.

Sukawa Onsen Shrine, Yamagata

4 (102)Shinto ShrinePlace Of WorshipPoint Of InterestAssociation Or OrganizationEstablishment

What other travelers are saying about Sukawa Onsen Shrine, Yamagata

Beautiful and quiet. Flowers everywhere

Catrina Gilbert

Oct 25, 2023

Small shrine, I'm not sure it's worth the hardcore stairs climbing

Small shrine

Quaint modern shrine that looks nice in the snow season.

This is a historic shrine that protects the hot springs of Zao Onsen. If you walk to the end of Takayu Street in the hot spring town, you will see a large red shrine gate and a long, staircase-like approach to the shrine. The enshrined deities are Okuninushi, Sukunahikona, Susanoo, and Kagutsuchi, so it's no wonder that all the gods of hot springs are here. Next door is Yakushi Shrine, a syncretic Shinto-Buddhist shrine, which is unique to hot spring resorts. We visited in winter, so there was snow on the ground, but there were footprints left by our predecessors, so we followed them, holding onto the handrails, to make our way to the shrine. It felt dangerous going down, so we went around the road and headed back...