Recommended Shrines for Miyamairi and Shichi-Go-San in Yokohama
伊勢山皇大神宮 (Iseyama Kotaijingu Shrine)
Located on a hill overlooking the port, this shrine is known as the Ise Shrine of the Kanto region. The main shrine building was relocated from Ise Shrine’s Inner Shrine as part of its 150th anniversary celebration. It tends to be crowded during Shichi-Go-San season, so visiting early is recommended. Due to the steep hill, taking a taxi is advisable if you have concerns about postnatal health.
Access: 10-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station (JR Line/Subway Line), 10-minute walk from Hinodecho Station (Keikyu Line), 15-minute walk from Minatomirai Station (Minatomirai Line)
Address: 64 Miyazakicho, Nishi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
横濱水天宮・杉山神社 (Yokohama Suitengu/Sugiyama Shrine)
Known as the god of safe childbirth and child-rearing, this shrine features guardian dog statues depicting a mother nursing her child. It is said that touching these statues improves breast milk production. The offering starts at 5,000 yen, with a special dance dedication included for offerings of 10,000 yen or more.
Access: 10-minute walk from Minami-Ota Station (Keikyu Line)
Address: 2-7-29 Minamiota, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
篠原八幡神社・八幡大神 (Shinohara Hachiman Shrine/Hachiman Daijin)
The two sacred trees at the back of the shrine symbolize marital harmony and family unity. The view of Shinyokohama from the hilltop is stunning, making it one of Japan’s top 100 shrines. Its proximity to Shinyokohama Station makes it convenient for post-visit meals.
Access: 7-minute walk from Shinyokohama Station (JR Line/Subway Line), 7-minute walk from Kikuna Station (JR Line/Toyoko Line)
Address: 2735 Shinoharacho, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
本牧神社 (Honmoku Shrine)
With over 400 years of history, the “Uma Nagashi” ritual is a designated intangible cultural heritage of Kanagawa Prefecture. Prayers are accepted on the day, but pre-notification can reduce waiting times. The shrine is adjacent to the scenic Honmoku Hilltop Park.
Access: 10-minute bus ride from Negishi Station (JR Line), get off at “San no Tani” bus stop and walk 3 minutes. 15-minute bus ride from Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Minatomirai Line), get off at “San no Tani” bus stop and walk 3 minutes.
Address: 19 Honmokuwada, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
相州春日神社 (Soshu Kasuga Shrine)
Established with the spirit of Nara Kasuga Taisha, this shrine is home to descendants of deer from the same shrine. Deer crackers are available for purchase. Pre-arrangements are required for weekday prayers.
Access: 20-30 minute bus ride from JR Totsuka Station, JR Ofuna Station, Odakyu Line Shonandai Station, or Subway Tateba Station, get off at “Matanokouen Yokohama Yakudai Mae” bus stop and walk 3 minutes.
Address: 700 Matanomachi, Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
神鳥前川神社 (Shitodo Maekawa Shrine)
This shrine boasts over 800 years of history. The large banners flanking the shrine, built in 1839, were once considered the largest in Kanto or Japan. Prayers are by reservation only, which can be made through the official website.
Access: 7-minute walk from Tana Station (Den-en-toshi Line), 15-minute walk from Aobadai Station (JR Line), 20-minute walk from Tokkaichiba Station (JR Line)
Address: 61-12 Shiratoridai, Aoba-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
お三の宮日枝神社 (Osanomiya Hie Shrine)
Known as “Osanomiya” or “Osansama,” this shrine enshrines Oyamakui no Mikoto, the god of safe childbirth and children’s growth. The mid-September Osanomiya Autumn Festival is listed among the “Top 50 Festivals in Kanagawa.” Prayers require reservations except during busy times like Shichi-Go-San and New Year’s.
Access: 3-minute walk from Yoshinocho Station (Subway Line), 5-minute walk from Minami-Ota Station (Keikyu Line)
Address: 5-32 Sannocho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
富岡八幡宮 (Tomioka Hachiman Shrine)
This shrine was established as a guardian against the demons of the Kamakura Shogunate. It is also known as “Namiyoke Hachiman” due to its protection of the village from a massive tsunami during the same era. Note that there is another shrine with the same name in Koto-ku, Tokyo, so be cautious when making reservations or inquiries.
Access: 8-minute walk from Keikyu Tomioka Station (Keikyu Line), 10-minute walk from Namiki Kita Station (Seaside Line)
Address: 4-5-41 Tomioka Higashi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
星川杉山神社 (Hoshikawa Sugiyama Shrine)
With a history of approximately 1,200 years, the shrine is surrounded by greenery and affectionately known as “Sugiyama Daimyojin’s Jubako Yama” (Layered Mountain). Facilities for nursing and diaper changing are available, so parents can comfortably care for their babies.
Access: 10-minute walk from Hoshikawa Station (Sotetsu Line), 15-minute bus ride from Hodogaya Station (JR Line) on City Bus Route 25 to “Yokohama Station West Exit,” get off at “Myojindai” bus stop and walk 5 minutes
Address: 1-19-1 Hoshikawa, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
横浜熊野神社 (Yokohama Kumano Shrine)
This shrine was visited by Tokugawa Ieyasu when he entered Edo, praying for national peace and security. The prayer ritual involves laying the baby on a child-safety platform resembling young bamboo, symbolizing growth. Prayers are by reservation only, so advance booking is necessary.
Access: 1-minute walk from Tsurumi Ichiba Station (Keikyu Line)
Address: 9-21 Ichiba Higashicho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (During prayer ceremonies)
琴平神社 (Kotohira Shrine)
Founded with a branch of the famous Kotohira Shrine in Kagawa, this shrine is dedicated to the god of maritime safety and business prosperity. It is centrally located in Yokohama and has been cherished by the locals for its historical significance.
Access: 15-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station (JR Line), 15-minute walk from Minatomirai Station (Minatomirai Line)
Address: 1-1 Kaigan-dori, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
鶴岡八幡宮 (Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine)
Founded during the Kamakura period, this shrine is well-known as the guardian of the Minamoto clan. It attracts many visitors from across Japan, so reservations are recommended for Shichi-Go-San and Miyamairi.
Access: 10-minute walk from Kamakura Station (JR Line)
Address: 2-1-31 Yukinoshita, Kamakura, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
師岡熊野神社 (Moraoka Kumano Shrine)
Established during the Heian period, this shrine is known for its god of safe childbirth and child-rearing. The sacred cedar grove in the shrine grounds creates a tranquil and holy atmosphere.
Access: 15-minute walk from Okurayama Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line)
Address: 1-1 Shimochiai, Kohoku-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Prayer Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM