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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Matsugaoka Park

Matsugaoka Park is one of the oldest public parks in Iwaki, with origins going back to 1907. It was first developed around a large reservoir that doubled as a fire prevention water source. Rather than being designed as a purely ornamental space, the park grew gradually with plantings of cherry, plum, and azalea trees. That starting point still shapes the layout today, with the central pond acting as a focal point.Within the park grounds stands a statue of Andō Nobumasa, a former lord of the Taira domain, reflecting the area’s connection to the old castle town.The park is best known for its cherry blossoms in spring. Around 200 Somei Yoshino cherry trees typically flower early compared to other spots in Iwaki, making it one of the first places locals associate with the start of hanami season. The azaleas - around 340 bushes, some originally transplanted from a former samurai residence in Tokyo - add a second wave of color slightly later. During peak bloom, the area is popular with groups and families, with food stalls set up around the park.Covering roughly 37,000 square meters, Matsugaoka functions as a neighborhood park with everyday amenities: benches, a small playground, walking paths, and a modest pond.
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Aquamarine Fukushima

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