By ando 
Located at the foot of Mount Nyudogatake in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, stands “Tsubaki Okami Yashiro” (Tsubaki Grand Shrine). Known as Ise no Kuni Ichinomiya (the chief jinja of Ise Province), it is the head jinja (Grand Head Jinja of Earthly Kami Sarutahiko Okami) for over 2,000 jinja nationwide dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami. Locally, it is affectionately called “Tsubaki-san,” but this jinja is actually a place full of mysteries known to a select few and episodes of powerful spiritual energy.
Basic Information
Location: 1871 Yamamoto-cho, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture
Main enshrined kami: Sarutahiko Okami
Kami enshrined together: Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Takuhatachiji-hime-no-Mikoto
Kami additionally enshrined: Amenouzume-no-Mikoto, Konohanasakuya-hime-no-Mikoto
Founded: Said to be one of Japan’s oldest jinja, established in the 27th year of Emperor Suinin’s reign (3 BCE).
The Mystery: “Only those called by the kami can visit”
Tsubaki Grand Shrine, similar to Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha in Nara, has a mysterious rumor that “only those called by the kami can reach it.” Some people who plan to visit find themselves unable to go due to sudden work commitments, falling ill, or getting lost, while others are guided smoothly to the jinja as if by divine intervention. Since Sarutahiko Okami, the main enshrined kami, is known as the “kami of guidance,” many devotees believe that the act of visiting itself is a “suggestion of life’s direction” from the kami.
Is the “Tomb” of Sarutahiko Okami within the Jinja Grounds?
Along the approach path, there is a keyhole-shaped burial mound called “Takayama Dokoshinryo.” According to jinja tradition, this is believed to be the Imperial Mausoleum (grave) of Sarutahiko Okami. The mere existence of a grave for a kami from mythology is astonishing, but this spot also exudes an extremely sacred atmosphere, with visitors constantly stopping to offer prayers.
A Place Loved by Konosuke Matsushita, the “God of Management”
It’s a well-known anecdote that Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic (formerly Matsushita Electric), deeply revered this jinja. Within the grounds is Reisho-an, a teahouse donated by Mr. Matsushita, where anyone can enjoy a cup of tea. Even more surprising is that Mr. Matsushita himself is enshrined as a kami in the “Konosuke Matsushita Shrine.” For business people seeking prosperity and success in their ventures, this has become an indispensable sacred site.
Tsubakikishi Jinja and Kanae no Taki: The Sub-Jinja for Performing Arts and Matchmaking
Located right next to the main hall is Tsubakikishi Jinja, a detached jinja where Amenouzume-no-Mikoto, the wife of Sarutahiko Okami, is enshrined. She is known as Japan’s oldest dancer (kami of performing arts), and even today, many performers visit incognito to pay their respects.
Furthermore, Kanae no Taki (Wish-Fulfilling Waterfall) next to it is a highly popular spot that has gained fame through word-of-mouth, with people saying their wishes come true if they set it as their phone’s wallpaper. It’s not uncommon to see queues of women wishing for good fortune and good relationships.
Sacred Pilgrimage: A Deep Connection with Osamu Tezuka’s “Phoenix”
For anime and manga fans, the connection to “Phoenix” (Hi no Tori), the life’s work of the “God of Manga” Osamu Tezuka, is not to be missed.
The character “Sarutahiko” appearing in “Phoenix: Dawn Chapter” is directly modeled after the main enshrined kami of this very jinja. Because of this connection, Tsubaki Grand Shrine offers a “Phoenix”-designed goshuincho (seal book) created in collaboration with Tezuka Productions. The goshuincho, depicting the powerful Phoenix, is seen as a symbol of “resurrection” and “guidance,” garnering immense support from fans who visit for a sacred pilgrimage.
The Legend of Japan’s Oldest Shishimai (Lion Dance)
Tsubaki Grand Shrine is also said to be the “birthplace of Shishimai.” It is believed to have originated when Kibi no Makibi dedicated a lion’s head brought back from Tang China during the reign of Emperor Shomu. Even today, once every three years, the “Shishigami Gokito Shinji” (Lion Kami Prayer Ritual), passed down for 1,300 years, is performed. This Shishimai is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Mie Prefecture, testifying to its profound history.
When you stand at a crossroads in life, or when you are about to start something new.
If you visit this forest where the “kami of guidance” resides, the path you should take might suddenly open up for you. That is, if you manage to reach it safely…