Sakurayama-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Sakurayama-jinja is a Shinto shrine in Shimonoseki built in 1865 on grounds featuring cherry trees and small gardens with walking paths. The site includes the main hall, a large torii gate at its entrance, a smaller Shokonsha memorial building behind it, and 391 stone monuments inscribed with the names of honored spirits.
The shrine was founded to honor the spirits of those who died during the Meiji Restoration, a period when Japan transitioned from feudal rule to modern government. Takasugi Shinsaku, a key leader of this transformative era, established the shrine after his militia training ground for the Kiheitai evolved into a place of remembrance.
The name Sakurayama means 'cherry mountain,' referring to the cherry trees that shape the grounds and turn them white during bloom season. The shrine serves local people as a place for reflection and remembrance, with an annual spring celebration held on the first Sunday of April featuring cherry blossom festivities.
The shrine is easily accessible by car with a parking lot next to the main gate, allowing visitors to park close and explore the grounds. Weekday visits or early mornings offer the best experience when few people are present and you can fully enjoy the quiet surroundings.
The Sanyo Main Line train runs directly past the main gate, with its sound breaking through the otherwise quiet grounds and creating an unexpected modern contrast at this historic memorial site. This juxtaposition of remembrance and contemporary rail traffic creates an interesting and unusual atmosphere that many visitors find striking.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
