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Nagoya Sochinju Wakamiya Hachimansha Shrine
Nagoya’s guardian shrine, known for the Wakamiya Festival held every May.
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
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A historic shrine that has long attracted deep devotion as Nagoya’s guardian shrine.
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Famous for its annual festival, the Wakamiya Festival, held on May 15 and 16 every year.
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Day 1 features a karakuri puppet dedication, and Day 2 features a mikoshi procession and float parade.
Photos
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The main hall, rebuilt in 1953
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A live karakuri puppet performance on a festival float during the Wakamiya Festival
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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
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
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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)
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