Saka Jinja (Saka Shrine)

Saka Jinja (Saka Shrine) is a shrine in the Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture. Its main deity is Kusu no Kami (久斯之神), the god of sake and agriculture. It is also known as Matsuo Jinja (Matsuo Shrine). Saka (佐香) is an old word for sake (酒), and the shrine is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Japanese sake. Even today, the shrine continues the tradition of brewing omiki (sacred sake offered to the gods). At its autumn grand festival in particular, cloudy sake (濁酒) is served and enjoyed by many worshippers. As an important part of Japan's sake culture, the shrine is also a treasured place for local people.