WHAT TO SEE

The enshrined deity is Susano-o no Mikoto. There is a cedar tree behind the shrine said to be over 1,300 years old and an important power spot.

Founded in 776, Susa Shrine is mentioned in historical documents including the Izumo Fudoki, a gazetteer the fully catalogued the geography and culture of the region back in the 8th century, and the Engishiki book of laws and customs related to government and religion which was completed in the 10th century. Although there are shines in other areas of Japan dedicated to Susano-o no Mikoto, this is his original shrine. It is said that he named the town Susa after himself and decided to lay his soul to rest here.


Across the small road in front of the torii gate leading to the honden is a shrine to the goddess Amaterasu Omikami, Susanoo’s older sister. Although their disputes in the early stories of the Kojiki are famous, they eventually reconciled and have neighboring shrines in places including here and Hinomisaki Shrine.

With such a long history, many special items and legends have collected here, resulting in the “Seven Wonders of Susa Shrine.” These range from a well that produces salt water and rocks that develop white spots that would foretell the quality of the harvest, to a shadowless cherry tree that never grows or shrinks and horses that would turn white and predict fortunes. Behind the shrine is a giant cedar tree called Ohsugi-san, which is over 30 meters tall and is believed to be at least 1,300 years old. It is renowned as a power spot. Perhaps you will feel its incredible life energy when you visit.