Sakaori-miya, Shinto shrine in Japan
Sakaori-miya is a small shrine in Kofu built in the traditional Shinmei-zukuri style, one of the oldest shrine architecture styles in Japan. The structure has a simple wooden construction with a gently sloped roof and shows its age while being carefully maintained.
The shrine is mentioned in ancient texts from the 8th century, the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, making it one of the oldest shrines in Yamanashi Prefecture. This early reference shows its importance in the region's spiritual history across many centuries.
The shrine is dedicated to Yamato Takeru, a legendary prince whose stories of adventures and battles are told in ancient Japanese traditions. Visitors leave small offerings and paper strips with wishes, showing how the local community honors this site in their daily routines.
The shrine is easily reached from central Kofu and sits in a quiet part of the city that feels slow and relaxed. Visitors find the early morning or evening hours most peaceful, when the surroundings are calmer and the space feels less visited.
The shrine is connected to nearby Mount Kinpu, which is considered sacred in local beliefs and from where the gods are said to watch over the land. This connection to the mountain landscape makes the shrine an anchor between the earthly and spiritual world of the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
