Suga Shrine, Shinto shrine in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan

Suga-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Yoshida, Akitakata, whose main hall was built in 1694 in the irimoya-zukuri style, with a chidori-hafu gable and a karahafu over the entrance, fronted by six thick pillars. A wide stone stairway leads up to the wooden building on its stone base, where a row of thick straw rope with five tassels hangs beneath the dark, curved gabled roof. Paper banners, two metal ornaments, lattice panels and two white lanterns decorate the facade, and a carved stone lantern stands to the right of the steps.

Tradition places the shrine's founding in the age of the gods, at the spot in Aki where Susanoo slew the eight-headed serpent; its name comes from his words 'my heart is refreshed.' In the Middle Ages it served as tutelary shrine of the Yoshida estate of Kyoto's Gion Shrine, and from the late Kamakura period the Mori clan of Yoshida Koriyama venerated it, leaving 13 votive plaques from Mitsufusa to Terumoto. The present hall dates from 1694.

The shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no Mikoto and serves as a gathering place for the local community. Visitors can observe how people bring small offerings, ring the bell, and participate in seasonal festivals that tie tradition closely to everyday rhythm.

The shrine stands in Yoshida, Akitakata, about 10 minutes by car from JR Mukaihara Station and the Takata interchange of the Chugoku Expressway. From Hiroshima Bus Center take the Hiroden bus bound for Yoshida and get off at Aki-Takata City Hall, then walk about 10 minutes. The grounds are entered on foot, with stone steps up to the hall.

The shrine's name comes from Susanoo's words "my heart is refreshed" after slaying the eight-headed serpent. A cedar that fell in a typhoon was found to be over 1,200 years old, and its stump is displayed in the grounds.