Soma Nakamura Shrine

Soma Nakamura Shrine

Soma Nakamura Shrine, long revered for enshrining the patron deity of the Soma clan, is built on a small hill in the western area of the Nakamura Castle grounds by Baryo Park.

The shrine was erected in 1643 by Soma Yoshitsune, the 18th head of the Soma family.

The main shrine is a an example of Gongen Shinto architecture, in which the main hall and worship hall are connected by a passageway, and the lacquer, painting, and metal fixtures are authentic representations of its Kan'ei era construction.

The shrine was designated as a national important cultural property in 1984.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://soma-kanko.jp/trip/nakamura-zinzya/(Japanese)
Contact

Soma City Tourism Association

(+81) 244-35-3300

Best Season
  • Autumn
Opening Hours

Open all day

ParkingAvailable
Entrance FeeFree
Access Details
AccessKita-machi 140, Nakamura, Soma City, Fukushima Pref. 976-0042
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 7 min from the Soma I.C. exit off the Joban Expressway

By Train: 10 min by taxi (or a 25 min walk) from Soma Station on the JR Joban Line

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