Sarutahiko Jinja Shrine is a historical Shinto shrine located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. The deity enshrined there is Sarutahiko Okami, who appears in the Records of Ancient Matters, Japan’s oldest historical documents, and is said to have devoted himself to the development and management of the country. In recent times, visitors to the shrine will offer prayers to ward off evil and receive direction and safety in their lives. The shrine also hosts a rice-planting festival called Ota Matsuri each year on May 5 to pray for a bountiful harvest and plentiful fish.
Also located within the grounds is the Sarume Jinja Shrine, which people often visit to pray for improvement of their skills in art or sports performance. Sarume Jinja Shrine hosts its own festival each year on August 17 and 18, at which lanterns are lit after nightfall to create a fantastical atmosphere.

Photographs provided by the Iseshima Tourism & Convention Organization.