Suwa Jinja, located in the Miyagi prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of childbirth and fertility. The shrine's name, Suwa, is derived from the mythological mountain where the goddess of childbirth, also named Suwa, resided. According to legend, the shrine was established as a place of refuge for pregnant women seeking protection during difficult pregnancies. Today, visitors can still find shrines dedicated to other kami, such as Ise no Okami and Kotoshiryo Hachiman, indicating the diverse deities worshipped at Suwa Jinja.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Suwa
- Kami enshrined
- Suwa, Ise no Okami, Kotoshiryo Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 38.4770014, 141.1250279
Visitor tip
To avoid any potential issues with pregnancy, it is recommended that visitors refrain from climbing the shrine's stairs during menstruation or childbirth.
Cultural notes
Suwa Jinja shares its name with a prominent Shinto shrine in Nagoya, Gifu Prefecture, which was also dedicated to the goddess of childbirth. In terms of festivals, Suwa Jinja celebrates the Tanabata (Star Festival) and the Omiyage (Souvenir Festival), similar to other shrines across Japan.
Historical note
The shrine was established in the Edo period (1603-1867), during the rule of Tokugawa shoguns.