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Oiwa Shrine: A Sacred Mountain Sanctuary

Discover Oiwa Shrine in Ibaraki: An ancient mountain sanctuary where 188 deities reside amidst tranquil forests and spiritual history.

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Nestled in Hitachi, Ibaraki, Oiwa Shrine is a Shinto sanctuary dedicated to 188 deities, revered as a 'power spot' with ancient roots dating back to the Jomon period. The shrine offers a tranquil escape surrounded by lush forests and historical significance.

A brief summary to Oiwa Shrine

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the shrine grounds and mountain trails.
  • Check the bus schedule from Hitachi Station in advance, as services are infrequent.
  • Consider visiting during the Ekosai Festival in April or October for a unique cultural experience.
  • Be mindful of the rules when climbing Mt. Oiwa, as it is considered sacred ground.
  • Take time to explore Hitachi Station, known for its beautiful glass structure and ocean views.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From JR Hitachi Station, take bus No. 60 bound for Higashigodo from Bus Stop No. 1. Get off at the Oiwa Shrine bus stop. The bus ride takes approximately 35 minutes. Check the bus schedule in advance, as services are infrequent, approximately every 2 hours. A one-way bus fare is approximately ¥500.

  • Taxi

    From JR Hitachi Station, a taxi to Oiwa Shrine takes about 20 minutes. The fare is approximately ¥3,700 - ¥3,790. Note that English-speaking taxi drivers may be limited.

  • Car

    From the Hitachi-Chuo IC exit on the Joban Expressway, drive along Route 36 for 10 minutes. Parking is available near the torii gate, with space for about 20 cars. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Oiwa Shrine

Oiwa Shrine, located in Hitachi, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine with a rich history and serene atmosphere. Known as a 'power spot', the shrine is nestled in the mountains of the Hitachi Alps and has been a sacred site since ancient times. The shrine is dedicated to not less than 188 gods, a surprisingly high number, being located under the sacred Mt. Oiwa. Archaeological evidence suggests that Oiwa Shrine has been an important religious center since the Jomon period (14,000–300 BCE). The shrine is mentioned in the 'Hitachi no Fudoki,' one of Japan's oldest literary texts, referring to it by its former name, 'Yamakabire no Takamine'. The mountain itself is considered sacred, and climbing it is part of the pilgrimage experience. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, discovering smaller sub-shrines and paths leading into the mountains. The towering cedar trees create a spiritual ambiance. The Sanbon-sugi, a cedar tree with three separate trunks, is considered one of Japan's 100 famous trees and is an object of worship. The shrine has strong ties to the Mito Tokugawa family. In 1630, Yorifusa Tokugawa, the first lord of the Mito clan, commissioned a shrine to worship the spirits of the three mountains of Dewa. Oiwa Shrine retains a unique form of worship that enshrines both Shintoism and Buddhism. The Ekosai Festival, held in April and October, is a traditional Shinto and Buddhist ceremony.

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