WHAT TO SEE

Saka Jinja is famous for being the birthplace of sake since at least the 8th century, if not much earlier. Legends from the Izumo Fudoki, published in 733, say that several kami deities gathered here, brewed the first sake and partied for 180 days! In the present, this quiet shrine sits on a hill overlooking rice fields. Although there is a long stone staircase leading up to the shine, there is also a paved road that can be taken up to the top, meaning that this shrine is more easily accessible for those with limited mobility.

The main shrine is dedicated to Kusu no kami, the deity of sake brewing. As sake is a fermented drink, other deities of fermentation are also celebrated here, such as the kami of soy sauce. Like Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, Saka Shrine is built in the taisha zukuri architecture style, which makes use of unadorned wood. Several small shrines can also be found in the shrine complex, including Eki Jinja, dedicated to the kami of infectious diseases.

The name of this shrine is derived from the word for sake and Saka Jinja has special permission to brew up to 180 liters of sake every year. Although it is quiet most days, on October 13th every year, the Doburoku -unfiltered sake- Festival sees the shrine filled with people. Visitors can taste the cloudy, unrefined rice wine, see Kagura performances presented as offerings to the kami, and witness local brewers gathering to pray for a successful sake a brewing season.