Located in the city of Dau, Akita Prefecture, San吉insha (Sanjigijinsha) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami known as Sword-Saint or Sword-Master. According to local lore, the shrine was originally built for a famous swordsmith who created a legendary blade said to be able to cut through anything. The shrine's architecture reflects this association with blades, featuring a distinctive curved roof and a torii gate adorned with a sword-shaped decoration. Visitors can see the shrine's beautiful garden, which is said to have been inspired by the design of traditional Japanese swords.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Sword-Saint
- Kami enshrined
- Sword-Saint
- Coordinates
- 39.726203, 140.1440345
Visitor tip
To honor the Sword-Saint kami, visitors should bring a small gift of a wooden or paper sword as an offering at the torii gate.
Cultural notes
Sanjigijinsha is said to be connected to the mythology of the Japanese sword, which is considered one of the country's most iconic and revered symbols. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in July, where participants reenact a traditional swordsmithing ritual.
Historical note
The shrine was built during the Edo period, around 1650.