Kanagawa Prefecture is home to some of Japan’s most historically significant and spiritually profound shrines. Among them, Samukawa Shrine and Oyama Afuri Shrine stand out as must-visit sacred sites — each with centuries of history, breathtaking settings, and a deep connection to the land and people of the region.
Oyama Afuri Shrine
Rising above the mist on Mt. Oyama (1,252 m) in Isehara City, Oyama Afuri Shrine carries over 2,200 years of unbroken history. Dedicated to Oyamazumi no Kami — deity of rain, harvest, and protection — the shrine has drawn pilgrims since the Edo period and was designated a site of Japanese Heritage in 2016. Accessible by cable car, the shrine offers sweeping panoramas of the Tanzawa mountains and Sagami Bay, blending natural splendor with profound spiritual atmosphere.
Access:
Ebina or Hon Atsugi- Isehara(Odakyu line) 11min. Isehara – Oyama cable (bus) 25min. Koma sando 15min. Cable car 6 min.
https://isehara-kanko.com/maps/
Samukawa Shrine
Nestled in Samukawa Town in central Kanagawa, Samukawa Shrine boasts a history spanning over 1,500 years, making it one of the oldest and most revered shrines in the Kanto region. It holds the distinguished status of Ichinomiya — the highest-ranked shrine of ancient Sagami Province — and is the only shrine in all of Japan dedicated to Happo-yoke, the ritual of warding off evil from all eight directions. Visitors come from across the country seeking protection, good fortune, and spiritual renewal in its serene, forested grounds.
Access :
Train Ebina – Miyayama (JR Sagami line) and walk 7min. total 22min. Car from Ebina – 30min.
Cycling from Ebina – 45min.
Whether you are drawn by history, spirituality, or simply the beauty of ancient Japan, Samukawa Shrine and Oyama Afuri Shrine offer experiences that linger long after you leave. Plan your visit and discover the sacred heart of Kanagawa.
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