chinkoku shukoku jinja

Situated on the grounds of the former Kuwana Castle main keep in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, this shrine enshrines two deities: Matsudaira Sadatsuna (posthumously honored as Chinkoku-ko) and Matsudaira Sadanobu (honored as Shukoku-ko, also known as Rakuo-ko). It is one of a number of shrines established during the late Edo through early Meiji period dedicated to clan ancestors. The successive lords of the Kuwana domain revered this site and prayed here for the domain's protection. Even after the Meiji era, it has continued to serve as a spiritual anchor for the people of Kuwana, drawing many worshippers to its annual festivals.