Hello.

Yamagata Prefecture’s many shrines and temples offer a variety of blessings.
Prayers for success in exams, luck at work, success in love, increased financial luck, and more…

Among them, Somiya Shrine in Nagai City is a rare shrine where motorcyclists can receive blessings for road safety.

I heard that the goshuin (temple seal) is also really cool, so I decided to visit.

History of Somiya Shrine

Somiya Shrine has a long history, having been founded 1,200 years ago in 802 (the second year of the Enryaku era).

The shrine was founded when Shogun Sakanoue no Tamuramaro visited the area on his campaign against the Emishi, and in memory of the divine virtues of Yamato Takeru no Mikoto and in prayer for peace in his hometown, he founded Akakuzureyama Shiratori Daimyojin.

Later, it gained the reverence of successive feudal lords, including Nagai, Date, and Gamo, as well as the common people, and in 1593 (the second year of the Bunroku era), the feudal lord at the time, Gamo Goan, enshrined the shrines of the 44 villages of Nagai-go and made it the main guardian deity, and changed the name to “Sōmiya Shrine.”

The Enshrined Deity and Benefits of Sōmiya Shrine

The enshrined deity of Somiya Shrine is Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, known as a legendary hero.
The accompanying deities are Onamuchi no Mikoto, Amenokoyane no Mikoto, and Ukanomitama no Mikoto, and the shrine’s divine title is Sogu Daimyojin.

There is a legend that Yamato Takeru no Mikoto “put his sword on Mount Akakuzure to calm a flood,” and he is said to be the “god of water” who controls floods and prays for rain. For this reason, Nagai is the source of water and faith.

The shrine is also known for its ability to ward off misfortune thanks to the blessings of the three deities of the shrine. Various prayers are offered here, including for severing ties and warding off evil spirits, and in January and February the shrine is visited by many worshippers who wish to celebrate the New Year and be exorcised from misfortune.

Why is Somiya Shrine known as a “Sacred Land for Riders”?

We investigated the origins of Somiya Shrine’s reputation as a “Sacred Land for Riders.”

The lion dance performed at Somiya Shrine’s annual festival, which is said to be the origin of Nagai’s lion dance, is known as the “Snake Head Dance,” and features a jet-black head with a white mane, moving like a giant snake snaking across the ground.
The way the lion moves is similar to the way a motorcycle rides, so riders from all over the country come to pray for safety and safety.

I wondered whether it was really appropriate to call it a “sacred place” just for that reason, so I decided to visit Somiya Shrine to see for myself why it’s so popular with so many riders!

Motorcycles on display within the shrine grounds?! A report on a unique sight at Somiya Shrine

I’ve visited shrines and temples throughout the prefecture, but Somiya Shrine was so refreshing that I strangely felt excited even before entering the grounds.

We also saw some beautiful sights that made it easy to understand why it’s called a “holy land for riders,” so we’ll report on them in detail!

It feels like a holy place even before you enter the grounds!

After parking my car in the car park next to the shrine, I walked up to the torii gate and saw several cool motorbikes already parked there.

There’s also a sign in front of the torii gate where you can take commemorative photos with the motorbikes.
There’s also this road sign on the approach to the shrine!

Wow, that’s amazing…
(They were selling the same sticker as this sign at the shrine office!)

The temple grounds are overflowing with the chief priest’s love for motorcycles…

As I passed through the torii gate, the first thing that caught my eye was a motorcycle on display within the shrine grounds.

Upon closer, I realized it was the chief priest’s bike!
There was another motorcycle on display next to the gift shop.

I was surprised to see that this was a sacred place, and went to pray at the main shrine.

Then, I found a purification paper for riders next to the offering box at the main shrine!

What wonderful thoughtfulness!
I have never been to a shrine so focused on something and filled with love.
My heart was filled with emotion as I finished my bow.

The gifts offered were also a testament to what you’d expect from a sacred place!

There were also many amulets for riders at the gift shop.
They even had the sacred site stickers shaped like the road signs mentioned above!

I immediately bought a leather belt amulet for my son, who is a rider, to wrap around the handlebars.
It looks like it will really bring you good luck in avoiding accidents. (Sadly, I forgot to take a photo…)

And now, here comes my special way of praying!

Taking the omamori charm I purchased, I return to the main shrine.
I gently place the omamori charm (taken out of the bag) in a corner of the offering box.

So I asked for the god’s energy to be bestowed upon me as a talisman, and for my son to be safe from accidents.
I’m sure Somiya Daimyojin will protect me if I’m ever in danger.

I don’t just visit Somiya Shrine, but I also do this when I’m making a serious wish.

A really cool goshuin

This is it!
When it comes to goshuin stamps with pictures, most of them feature dragon gods or seasonal flowers.
And yet, is this the chief priest riding a motorcycle?
It’s so cool.

Visited on April 1, 2023

Summary

Somiya Shrine in Nagai City is headed by a chief priest who is passionate about motorcycles, making it truly a “rider’s mecca”!
This is a shrine that motorcycle lovers should definitely visit!

The refreshing and exciting feeling of the grounds is a space that can only be found at Somiya Shrine.
It soothes and inspires all who visit, so even if you’re not a rider, this shrine is recommended for anyone who wants to feel energized.

Bonus: A can of juice given to my husband by the chief priest when he received his goshuin.

My husband said, “It’s a GINJA ,that’s why ginger ale!” He was a funny priest. (laughs)
This priest is what makes Somiya Shrine what it is.