Saruka Shrine is located in Hirakawa City and is said to have been built by Sakagami Tamuramaro as the “Kami Jaguu (Shrine of the Divine Snake)” to conquer the Emishi. The main shrine is designated as an Important Treasure of Aomori Prefecture. Since the feudal era, it has been known as the guardian deity of agriculture, fisheries, transportation, and eyesight.

The shrine boasts an area of 16,000 tsubo (approximately 1.5 acres), and its unique structure—the shrine pavilion seemingly floating in the middle of Kagamigaike Pond in the park with a single narrow red bridge crossing it—is a visual feast. The lotus flowers bloom around 6:00 a.m.; the best time to see them is in the morning. Please note that they wilt afternoon.

It is only a 5-minute walk from the neighboring Seibi-en Garden, so why not include both in your tour?

The area’s beauty varies not only in summer but also in spring (cherry blossoms), fall (autumn leaves), and winter (snowy landscape).
The “Saruga Shrine Fifteen Night Festival,” the largest festival in Tsugaru, is held for three days starting on August 14 of the lunar calendar; the “Nanokado Grand Festival” on January 7 of the lunar calendar, where two rituals, the “willow-karami ritual” and the “sesame rice cake throwing ritual” have been held since 1613; the “Oni-men Bonzai ritual,” in which a board with the face of a demon is smashed with bow and arrow and sword to drive out evil spirits, is held on May 3. The “Sukeikai Grand Festival” is held on May 3, and the “Otaue Festival” is a traditional ritual to pray for a bountiful rice harvest.