By ando 
Mutsu Sōsha-no-miya jinja, located in Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture, is situated right next to Tagajo, which was once the political center of the Tohoku region. It is a place where you can worship all the kami from Mutsu Province (present-day Fukushima, Miyagi, Iwate, and parts of Aomori Prefectures) at once – truly an “all-star gathering of kami.”
This time, we will introduce some little-known stories and intriguing behind-the-scenes tales about this jinja, which are irresistible for history buffs and power spot enthusiasts.
Basic Information
Location: 1 Kanaresha, Ichikawa, Tagajo City, Miyagi Prefecture
Enshrined Kami: Yashio-michi-no-oji-no-kami, Yashio-michi-no-ome-no-kami, and the kami of 100 Shikinaisha jinja within Mutsu Province
Founding: Unknown (believed to have existed by the Heian Period)
1. The “Ultimate Shortcut” for Busy Provincial Governors?
A “sōsha” is a jinja where the kami of all jinja in a given region are enshrined together. During the Heian Period, provincial governors (kokushi), a position similar to a prefectural governor, who were dispatched from the capital, had a duty to visit all jinja in their province upon arrival.
However, it was an incredibly difficult task to visit all of the vast Mutsu Province (there were 100 jinja listed in the Engishiki alone!). Therefore, a system was created where all the kami were invited to a single location near the provincial capital (Tagajo), allowing governors to visit just this one place and consider their duty of visiting “all jinja” fulfilled. This makes it a highly rational sacred site, emphasizing “time performance” – or “Taipa” – as we would say today.
2. Will Your Blessings Be Halved if You Don’t Visit Here Before Shiogama Jinja?
During the Edo period, Mutsu Sōsha-no-miya jinja was known as Sōsha-no-miya and was considered an auxiliary jinja of Shiogama jinja, one of Tohoku’s foremost power spots.
According to the historical record “Ensho Shoppu,” it was written that “when visiting Shiogama jinja, you will not receive its blessings unless you first pay homage at Sōsha-no-miya.” From successive lords of the Sendai Domain to commoners, the order of “first greetings at Sōsha-no-miya, then to Shiogama-sama” was an ironclad rule. Even today, discerning visitors adhere to this ancient custom, visiting both jinja as a set.
3. The Legendary “Safe Childbirth Pillow” and a 600-Year-Old Cedar Tree
Within the jinja grounds, there is a unique folk belief passed down through generations: the “Anzan Makura” (safe childbirth pillow).
Pregnant women praying for a safe delivery borrow a small pillow provided by the jinja. Once they have safely given birth, it is customary for them to make another new pillow as a thank-you and return two pillows. Beside the haiden (hall of worship), many handmade pillows are still dedicated, testifying to the depth of this faith.
Furthermore, deep within the grounds stand a “Rōsugi” (ancient cedar) over 600 years old and a 200-year-old “Shiromokuren” (white magnolia). Here, you can feel the solemn atmosphere that has guarded Tagajo’s kimon (direction of ill-omen, northeast).
4. The Historic Path Walked by Matsuo Basho
Matsuo Basho, who visited Tagajo on his journey of “Oku no Hosomichi” (The Narrow Road to the Deep North), wept upon seeing the nearby “Tsubo no Ishibumi” (Tagajo Monument), moved by how ancient memories were still being conveyed to the present.
Mutsu Sōsha-no-miya jinja is located just northeast of the Tagajo ruins, which so moved Basho. Imagining Basho walking past this jinja, sensing the presence of the kami of Mutsu, deepens the historical romance even further.
Conclusion
Mutsu Sōsha-no-miya jinja is where the kami of 100 jinja from 31 districts of Mutsu Province gather together.
If you feel your luck has been stagnant lately, why not recharge your power all at once at this place where Tohoku’s kami are all assembled? For those planning to visit Shiogama jinja, be sure to start your pilgrimage from Sōsha-no-miya!
Related Links / References
[1] 陸奥総社宮 | 宮城県多賀城市 | 古今御朱印研究所
[2] 歴史の風 47 ～陸奥総社宮～ – 多賀城 陸奥総社宮
[3] 陸奥総社宮（多賀城市）
[4] 陸奥総社宮について – 多賀城 陸奥総社宮
[5] [宮城県多賀城市] 陸奥総社宮（むつそうしゃのみや/むつそうじゃぐう） – 神社とお寺の虎の巻
[6] 宮城県神社庁
[7] 陸奥総社宮～陸奥国府の総社～
[8] 多賀城 陸奥総社宮
[9] 陸奥総社宮
[10] 陸奥総社宮