FukushimaTravel

Soma Nakamura Shrine (相馬中村神社)

Flow of the course

About 45 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Walk among the moat and stone walls of the Nakamura Castle ruins, soaking up the atmosphere of Soma's old castle town

About this spot

This ancient shrine stands to the west of the Nakamura Castle ruins and has long been revered as the guardian shrine of the entire Soma region. It enshrines Myoken, the guardian deity of the Soma clan, and is known as the shrine connected to Soma Nomaoi, a nationally designated Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. The main hall, offering hall, and worship hall, built in the early Edo period, are designated National Important Cultural Properties, and the shrine building that appears at the end of the cedar-lined approach has an air of great dignity. Fitting for a shrine so closely tied to horses, sacred horses are kept on the grounds, and even the ema votive plaques and amulets feature horse motifs, letting you feel firsthand the pride of Soma, a town of horses. It is also the central site for the Shinto rites of Nomaoi, where the commander-in-chief's departure ceremony is held, making it the perfect starting point for the two of you to pray for safe travels before setting off on your drive.

Tips

About 10 minutes by car from the Soma Interchange on the Joban Expressway, with free parking near the shrine grounds. The approach is lined with trees and has tree roots and uneven ground underfoot, so wear shoes that are easy to walk in. If you want to receive a goshuin (shrine stamp), check the reception hours of the shrine office in advance.