By ando 
There are several jinja named “Sarutahiko Jinja” in Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture, but among them, the Sarutahiko Jinja located in Takase, Kakegawa City, is known for its deep history and mysterious legends. It is not merely a place dedicated to the “kami of opening paths,” but also a place where a sad yet noble story connected to the Ashikaga clan of the Muromachi period has been passed down through generations.
Basic Information
Name: Sarutahiko Jinja (Sarutahiko Shrine). Location: 1376 Takase, Kakegawa City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Enshrined Kami: Sarutahiko no Kami. Divine Blessings: Opening paths, traffic safety, good fortune and prosperity, warding off evil/calamity.
The Legend of “Tempaku Daigongen” Created by an Ashikaga Princess
Delving into the origins of this jinja reveals the story of a family that lived far from the historical limelight of the Muromachi period.
According to shrine legend, the daughter of Ashikaga Motouji (who was the son of Ashikaga Takauji, the first shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, and served as the first Kanto Kanrei) fled to this Takase region with her vassal, Osawa Gondayu. To enshrine the guardian deity she deeply worshipped, she founded “Tempaku Daigongen” here.
After the princess’s death, local residents revered her virtues and carefully preserved this jinja, calling it “Tempaku-san.” It was renamed to the current “Sarutahiko Jinja” in Meiji 4 (1871), but originally, it was based on “Tempaku Shinko,” a mysterious folk belief said to be associated with stars, water, or even weaving.
Mysteries and Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Sarutahiko Jinja in Takase is located in a quiet mountain area leading to Mt. Sadzuka.
1. Stone Steps Enveloped in Serenity: Passing through the torii gate standing in the forest, moss-covered stone steps lead to the shrine grounds. Surrounded by deep greenery, a unique atmosphere of tranquility hangs in the air, as if the very atmosphere changes with each step you take.
2. The Mystery of the Name “Tempaku”: “Tempaku,” the former name of the jinja, is actually a mysterious kami whose true identity has not been clearly deciphered, even though jinja bearing this name are scattered throughout Japan. One theory suggests a connection to the wind kami of Ise Jingu, while another says it is a remnant of the North Star worship. Imagining the true intention behind the Ashikaga princess enshrining “Tempaku” as you offer your prayers is one of the true pleasures of visiting this jinja.
3. The Power of “Opening Paths”: Sarutahiko no Kami, the enshrined kami, is considered the “kami who guides things in a good direction” because he served as a guide during the Tenson Korin (descent of the heavenly grandchild). If you visit when you are at a crossroads in life or starting something new, the quiet power of this place, preserved by the Ashikaga princess, might gently encourage you forward.
The Network of “Sarutahiko” Shrines in Kakegawa
In Kakegawa City, besides Takase, Sarutahiko Jinja can also be found in Hatakama, Yamazaki, and Hatada. Notably, Sarutahiko Jinja in Hatada is located along the former “Akiba Kaido (Salt Road)” and has long watched over the safety of travelers.
After visiting the jinja in Takase, it is also recommended to tour these “kami of opening paths” and trace the remnants of Kakegawa’s historic roads.
Advice for Visiting
Sarutahiko Jinja in Takase is located in a very quiet area and does not have a dedicated large parking lot. While you can see the torii gate along Prefectural Road 38, please exercise caution when passing through the vicinity. Additionally, as it is often an unmanned jinja, if you wish to obtain a Goshuin (shrine seal stamp) or similar, it is recommended to check the local management status in advance.
The prayers entrusted to this land by the Ashikaga princess, having overcome the rough waves of history. Please do visit and feel that quiet pulse.
Related Links and References
[1] 静岡県掛川市 猿田彦神社 | ゆるり♪ぼちぼちゆこう〜ꕤ*｡ﾟ (https://ameblo.jp/riko-niko25/entry-12748343598.html)
[2] 猿田彦神社 (掛川市高瀬) – Wikipedia (https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E7%8C%BF%E7%94%B0%E5%BD%A6%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE_(%E6%8E%9B%E5%B7%9D%E5%B8%82%E9%AB%98%E7%80%AC))
[3] 猿田彦神社は何の神様？ご利益は？参拝ポイントは？ おすすめのお守りは？ 伊勢神宮ゆかりの「みちひらきの神社」 | Forest Log 神社と森のノート (https://forestlog.jp/sarutahikojinja-572)
[4] 猿田彦神社「みちひらきの大神」ご利益スポットを解説！物事を良い方向へみちび導く旅へ – まっぷるウェブ (https://www.mapple.net/article/31874/)
[5] 幡田 猿田彦神社・静岡県掛川市幡田 | Bodhisvaha (http://yossy.main.jp/post-28623-28623.html)
[6] 猿田彦神社の不思議体験で人生が変わる？スピリチュアルな魅力とは (https://yashiromusubi.com/sarutahikojinja-mysterious/)
[7] 嵯峨天皇・最澄ゆかりの神社 猿田彦神社 (https://randen-map-project.com/%E7%8C%BF%E7%94%B0%E5%BD%A6%E7%A5%9E%E7%A4%BE/)
[8] https://www.mlit.go.jp/tagengo-db/common/001552863.pdf