Are Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture. It is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho, an ancient record of officially recognized shrines compiled in the 10th century, making it one of the region’s Shikinaisha, or shrines recorded in this important historical register.
The shrine has been worshipped by local communities since ancient times and was formerly classified as a prefectural shrine under the old shrine-ranking system. Although the exact date of its foundation is unknown, its history is closely connected with the area that flourished along the ancient Tosando route. Today, Are Shrine remains an important place where traces of ancient Japanese religious traditions can still be experienced.
Are Shrine enshrines three principal deities: Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, and Emperor Homutawake.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto is widely revered as a deity who drives away misfortune and grants courage and strength. He is one of the best-known figures in Japanese mythology and is associated with powerful acts of protection.
Onamuchi-no-Mikoto is a deity associated with nation-building and the formation of relationships. He is another name for Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, a major deity in the mythology of Izumo and a figure particularly associated with connections between people.
Emperor Homutawake, identified with Emperor Ojin, the 15th emperor of Japan, is revered for blessings associated with military success, lasting prosperity, and the well-being of the nation.
Together, these three deities represent different forms of divine protection and guidance. Their combined presence reflects the long-standing role of the shrine as a spiritual center watching over the peace and prosperity of the local community.
Are Shrine consists of two principal shrine sites: the Maemiya, or main shrine, in Shiojiri Town, and the Okumiya, or inner shrine, at Myojindaira in Kakizawa, Shiojiri City.
The main sanctuary at the Maemiya is built in the Nagare-zukuri architectural style, with a copper-sheet roof. Its structure is decorated with carvings dating from the middle of the Edo period, giving the building a distinctive historical character.
One particularly unusual feature is the arrangement of two sanctuaries built in the Ichinoma-sha Nagare-zukuri style side by side. Between them is a doorway through which worshippers can pay their respects toward the Okumiya. This distinctive arrangement reflects the shrine’s unusual relationship between its main and inner sanctuaries.
The three shrine facilities have traditionally been known as Omiya Hachimangu, Are Daimyojin, and Shiojiri Daimyojin. These names provide a glimpse into the strength of local faith during the Edo period.
The shrine was also closely connected with the political history of the region. During the Sengoku period, it received the protection of the Takeda clan, including donations of shrine lands.
According to shrine tradition, Are Shrine was originally located near Iwatoko-iwa on the eastern foothills of Shiojiri Pass. It was later moved to Myojindaira in Kakizawa during the Nara period.
In the early Edo period, when Shiojiri-juku was established along the Nakasendo highway, the Maemiya was moved to its present location at the western end of the post town. The shrine therefore changed location as the surrounding landscape and transportation routes developed, while continuing to serve as a center of local worship.
Today, the shrine’s parishioner community consists of seven neighborhoods in the Shiojiri-Higashi district: Kamimachi, Muromachi, Nakamachi, Miyamotocho, Horinochi, Nagase, and Sajiki. The shrine continues to be carefully maintained and supported by the local community.
The area is also said to have been the site of Kakushi Station, a post station on the ancient Tosando route. This tradition adds another layer of historical interest, suggesting that the area was once an important point along an early transportation network.
The name Are Shrine is connected with the ancient deity known as Are-no-Kami, who was worshipped in this area from an early period and whose shrine is recorded in the Engishiki Jinmyocho.
According to tradition, the Jinshi clan of the Suwa people, who lived around the Yosawa River at the western foot of Shiojiri Pass, worshipped the upper reaches of Mt. Iwato as a sacred object. This form of worship, in which a natural feature itself was regarded as sacred, offers a glimpse into the strong connection between nature and spirituality in ancient Japanese religion.
The present shrine buildings were reconstructed in 1743, during the Kanpo era. They provide a valuable example of the architectural techniques and aesthetic sensibilities of the period and form an important part of the shrine’s historical character.
Various ceremonies are held at Are Shrine throughout the year. Major events include the Iwatoko Festival on May 1, the Okumiya Festival on June 29, and the shrine’s largest annual celebration, the Reitaisai on July 10 and 11.
The Reitaisai is also known as the Shiojiri Festival. It is traditionally held on the second Saturday and Sunday of July and is known as a major relocation and shrine festival in the community.
During the festival, a portable shrine is carried through the neighborhoods, accompanied by colorful processions. The sounds of drums and flutes fill the streets, creating a lively summer atmosphere throughout the town.
Local parishioners, residents, and visitors come together during the celebrations, making the festival a vivid opportunity to experience the traditions and community spirit that have surrounded Are Shrine for generations.
Are Shrine has journeyed alongside the history of Shiojiri from ancient times to the present day. Its long tradition of worship has survived changes in political power, transportation routes, settlement patterns, and the surrounding landscape, while its connection with local residents has remained strong.
For visitors, the shrine offers more than an opportunity to see a historic religious building. The quiet grounds, distinctive architecture, ancient traditions, and stories surrounding the shrine provide a glimpse into the spiritual landscape of old Japan.
Standing among the historic buildings and peaceful surroundings, visitors can sense how prayers and traditions have been passed down through countless generations. Are Shrine is a particularly meaningful destination for travelers interested in Japanese history, Shinto traditions, ancient nature worship, and the cultural heritage of the Shiojiri area.