Overview
Sakuradasan Shrine stands in Kurikoma-Sakurada, Kurihara, Miyagi Prefecture. Its official name is simply 「Sanjinja」 (Mountain Shrine), but it is widely known as Sakuradasan Shrine after the local district of Sakurada. Said to have been founded about 1,500 years ago, it is one of the oldest shrines in the prefecture. The main hall is built in the Shinmei-zukuri style, and as a village shrine it has long gathered local faith. It is also known as the family home of comedian Eikō Kanō and is affectionately called the 「Handsome Shrine」.
Highlights
- ●One of the prefecture's oldest shrines, said to be about 1,500 years old
- ●A clean, dignified main hall in Shinmei-zukuri style
- ●Two names: the official 「Sanjinja」 and the popular Sakuradasan Shrine
- ●The family home of comedian Eikō Kanō, the 「Handsome Shrine」
History
According to shrine tradition, it was founded roughly 1,500 years ago, making it one of the oldest shrines in Miyagi Prefecture. Its shrine rank was that of a village shrine (sonsha). Though officially called 「Sanjinja」, it came to be known by the name of the Sakurada district. In recent years it gained nationwide fame as the family home of comedian Eikō Kanō, and drawing on his signature gag 「Ramen, tsukemen, boku ikemen」 (I'm handsome), it earned the nickname 「Handsome Shrine」. For further details on its origins, please consult official sources.
Access
The shrine is located in Kurikoma-Sakurada, Kurihara, Miyagi Prefecture (roughly 38.79°N, 140.98°E). Kurihara lies in northern Miyagi, in a nature-rich area near the foot of Mount Kurikoma. Public transport is limited, so many visitors come by car. Confirm the latest access and parking information through official sources before you go.
Best season
Spring to early summer, when the Shinmei-zukuri hall harmonizes with the surrounding greenery, and autumn with its clear air are both recommended. The Kurikoma area is also known for autumn foliage, so pairing the visit with the surrounding scenery makes it even more enjoyable.
Map
38.7956, 140.9856 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Pass beneath the torii into grounds with some 1,500 years of history
- 2Offer a quiet prayer at the Shinmei-zukuri main hall
- 3Reflect on the origin of the 「Handsome Shrine」 and pray for good relationships
- 4Stroll the surroundings while taking in the nature of Kurikoma
Did you know?
💡 Nicknamed the 「Handsome Shrine」, this is a shrine with a rather playful claim to fame. The name derives from comedian Eikō Kanō's catchphrase 「Ramen, tsukemen, boku ikemen」, and fans sometimes visit to pray for love and good relationships. Knowing that its official name is actually 「Sanjinja」 adds an extra layer of interest to the visit.
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