Sanryoo Shrine Torii

Sarureo Shrine Torii: An Edo-Period Stone Gate Guarding Sanuki's Legendary Past

Tucked away in the quiet countryside of Iiyama-chō in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, the Sarureo Shrine Torii stands as a humble yet significant monument to nearly two centuries of spiritual devotion. Built in 1830 during the late Edo period, this stone Myōjin-style torii gate was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2018, preserving the historic landscape of a shrine deeply rooted in one of Sanuki's most beloved legends—the tale of the sea monster slayer known as Sarureo.

What Is the Sarureo Shrine Torii?

The Sarureo Shrine Torii is a stone torii gate located at the midpoint of the stone stairway that leads from the eastern entrance of Sarureo Shrine up to the worship hall (haiden) and offertory hall (heiden). The gate measures 2.2 meters in width and 2.9 meters in height. Its pillars are set with a slight inward lean—a traditional technique known as uchikurobi—and are connected at the top by a shimagi (crossbeam) and a kasagi (topmost beam) with a distinctively strong upward curve.

Carved into one of the pillars is the inscription "Bunsei 13," clearly establishing the year of construction as 1830. This dateable inscription makes the torii an important reference point for understanding the Edo-period development of the shrine's grounds.

Why Was It Designated as a Cultural Property?

The Sarureo Shrine Torii was registered as a national Tangible Cultural Property (building) on March 27, 2018. Several factors contributed to this designation. The torii preserves the historical landscape of the shrine precinct, serving as a visual marker of the Edo-period sacred architecture that once characterized rural Shinto shrines across Shikoku. Its clearly inscribed date of construction provides valuable historical documentation, while the traditional Myōjin-style stonework with uchikurobi technique and strongly curved kasagi demonstrates the craftsmanship of early 19th-century stone masons in the Sanuki region.

Together with the shrine's stone balustrade (tamagaki), which was also registered as a cultural property at the same time, the torii forms an integral part of the shrine's historic architectural ensemble.

The Legend of Sarureo: Sanuki's Monster Slayer

To truly appreciate this torii, visitors should understand the rich mythology behind the shrine it guards. Sarureo Shrine is dedicated to a legendary figure known as Sarureo (讃留霊王), also called Takekaiko-ō (武殻王), who is traditionally identified as a son of the legendary hero Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.

According to local tradition, during the reign of Emperor Keikō, a monstrous fish terrorized the Seto Inland Sea, swallowing ships and threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities. The young prince Takekaiko was dispatched to subdue the creature. Through a daring stratagem—allowing himself to be swallowed by the beast and then setting fire to its belly from within—he succeeded in slaying the monster. The carcass washed ashore at Fukue (present-day Sakaide), and the soldiers who had been poisoned by the creature's toxins were revived by sacred water brought by a divine child.

In recognition of his heroism, the prince was granted dominion over the province of Sanuki, where he remained for the rest of his life. The people honored him with the name "Sarureo," meaning "the spirit king who stayed in Sanuki." He is credited with introducing sericulture (silk farming) to the region, and his descendants became the powerful Aya clan of Sanuki.

Highlights and Things to See

Visiting Sarureo Shrine offers a multi-layered experience that combines ancient mythology, archaeological heritage, and scenic beauty.

Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions

The area around Sarureo Shrine offers several opportunities to extend your cultural exploration.

• Mount Iinoyama (Sanuki Fuji): A beautifully symmetrical 422-meter peak and one of the New 100 Famous Mountains of Japan. It takes about one hour to hike to the summit, where panoramic views of the Sanuki Plain and the Seto Inland Sea await.
• Marugame Castle: Located about 6 kilometers to the west, this castle is famous for having the tallest stone walls among Japan's surviving castle towers. A National Important Cultural Property.
• Sanuki Udon Restaurants: The Marugame area is one of Japan's premier destinations for authentic Sanuki udon noodles. Numerous local shops offer freshly made udon at very reasonable prices.
• Kotohira-gū (Kompira-san): About 15 kilometers to the south, this famous hilltop shrine is one of Shikoku's most popular pilgrimage destinations, known for its 1,368 stone steps to the inner sanctum.