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Nagoya Sochinju Wakamiya Hachimansha Shrine

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Nagoya Sochinju Wakamiya Hachimansha Shrine

Nagoya’s guardian shrine, known for the Wakamiya Festival held every May.

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Supervised by :  Nagoya Sochinju Wakamiya Hachimansha Shrine

This shrine is located in Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya City. It is said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Monmu and revived during the Engi era (901–923). Its principal deities are Emperor Nintoku, Emperor Ojin, and Takeuchi no Sukune no Mikoto, and it has long attracted deep devotion as Nagoya’s guardian shrine.

Close to the central Osu and Sakae areas, the grounds have a calm, quiet atmosphere despite the bustle of the city. The current shrine buildings were rebuilt in 1953 after being destroyed in an air raid.

The shrine’s signature annual event is the Wakamiya Festival, held on May 15 and 16 each year. This festival, which dates back to the Edo period, was once a lavish celebration featuring seven festival floats at its peak, and it continues today as a traditional event with a mikoshi procession and float parade. On the first day, the trial festival includes performances of karakuri puppets in front of the shrine building. On the second day’s main festival, the mikoshi procession and float parade travel along Honmachi Street to Nagono Shrine and back.

Highlights

  • A historic shrine that has long attracted deep devotion as Nagoya’s guardian shrine.
  • Famous for its annual festival, the Wakamiya Festival, held on May 15 and 16 every year.
  • Day 1 features a karakuri puppet dedication, and Day 2 features a mikoshi procession and float parade.

Photos

  • The main hall, rebuilt in 1953

    The main hall, rebuilt in 1953

  • A live karakuri puppet performance on a festival float during the Wakamiya Festival

    A live karakuri puppet performance on a festival float during the Wakamiya Festival

  • On the second day of the Wakamiya Festival, a mikoshi procession and float parade are held

    On the second day of the Wakamiya Festival, a mikoshi procession and float parade are held

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Are goshuin stamps available?
A

Yes.

Q

Is parking available?
A

Yes. (For worshippers only)

Q

Are there coin lockers?
A

No.

Q

Are there sightseeing spots nearby?
A

Nagoya City Science Museum, Nagoya City Art Museum, Japanese Sword Museum, Osu Shopping Street, Sakae downtown area.

Q

Do you accept cashless payments?
A

Cash only.

Q

Are there restrooms?
A

Located inside the shrine hall. (Unavailable on Tuesdays because the facility is closed)

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • wendy
    See More

    While visiting downtown Nagoya, I unexpectedly came across the atmospheric Wakamiya Hachimansha Shrine. As Nagoya's guardian shrine, it is best known for the historic and lively Wakamiya Festival held every May.

    Although the shrine is in the middle of the city, it feels like a quiet retreat amid the bustle. As soon as you enter, it becomes much quieter, making it a great place for a walk, a prayer, and a chance to experience the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese shrine.

    There are also many distinctive goshuin to collect. However, the monthly limited-edition goshuin has date restrictions. If you don't visit on the first day of the month, you can only get a postcard-style goshuin, which still makes a nice keepsake!

Details

Name in Japanese
名古屋総鎮守 若宮八幡社
Postal Code
460-0008
Address
3-35-30 Sakae, Naka Ward, Nagoya, Aichi
Phone
052-241-0810
Closed on
None
Hours
Prayer hours 6:00am–5:00pm, amulet office hours 9:00am–5:00pm
Admission
Free
Access
1) Approx. 7 minutes on foot from Osu Kannon Station on the subway
2) Approx. 5 minutes on foot from Yabacho Station on the subway
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa