2025.04.10

Volcanic Island Protected by the Gods - Izu Oshima - (4) Hajikama Shrine

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Izu Oshima is one of the most eye-catching islands in the Izu Islands. Its unique volcanic activity and natural beauty attract visitors, but there is an ancient guardian on this island that should not be forgotten. That is the place called Hajikama Shrine. The shrine hides its origins in the depths of the mists of history and has been revered as a sacred place for the island's inhabitants. Surrounded by dense forests, the shrine is not only a tourist attraction, but also closely related to volcanic activity, which is believed to protect the island with the gods. What kind of myths and legends live in Izu Oshima and Hajikama Shrine? And what impact does its existence have on the modern age? Let's take a look at some of its mysterious stories.

Article Contents

What is Izu Oshima's Deep Harbor and Hajikama Shrine?
- The story of the source of mythology, Mishima Daimyojin and Habuki Higaku

What is Izu Oshima's Deep Harbor and Hajikama Shrine?

Surrounded by the rich nature of Izu Oshima, Hajikama Shrine is more than just a shrine, it is a mysterious space where mythology, history, and nature are interwoven. As one of the three former township shrines of Oshima, it has attracted the faith of the people of the island since ancient times. Hajikama Shrine is a special place that gives visitors a deep sense of emotion, tranquility, and peace of mind.

The story of the source of mythology, Mishima Daimyojin and Habuki Higaku

The origins of Hajikama Shrine are deeply rooted in the creation myth of the Izu Islands. According to the ancient book "Miyakeki" that tells the story of the creation of the Izu Islands, Mishima Daimyojin, who is said to have created the islands, had five queens. Among them, the queen placed on Oshima is the "Great Empress of Habu" and is enshrined as the deity of the god Habuki Daimyo.

Two princes were born to this Habuki and Mishima Daimyojin. The eldest son, Prince Taro, is enshrined as the deity of the Omiya Shrine, which sits in the present-day Nomasu district, and the second son, Prince Jiro, is enshrined as the deity of the Hachikama Shrine, which sits in the Izumitsu district. It is a story that has continued since the time of mythology, and makes you feel the history and culture of Izu Oshima.

Historical significance of Shikinai Shrine as "Haji Shrine"

Hachikama Shrine is compared to the Haji Shrine, which is a "shikinai shrine" that occupied an important position in the ancient shrine system. Shikinai Shrine refers to a shrine that is listed in the "Enki Shiki Shrine Name Book", which was compiled in the middle of the Heian period, and is listed in the list of shrines in Japan recognized by the government at that time. This indicates that the Hajikama Shrine existed for at least 1000 years and was recognized as an important shrine by the Imperial Court.

The fact that it is a Shikinai shrine is not only a long history, but also suggests the importance of the shrine's history, prestige, and role in the community. Hajikama Shrine is an indispensable part of the history and culture of Izu Oshima.

Go through the depths of Izumitsu and go through the cut-through to the entrance to the sanctuary

To head to Hajikama Shrine, first head to the Izumizu area. Speaking of Izumitsu, the famous "Kiritori" is known as its iconic landscape. This cut-through is a road that was carved out of strata that were once formed by the accumulation of volcanic ash, and its unique scenery attracts many people.

[Photo: Izumitsu's cut-through]

Tucked away at the end of the cut is the Hajikama Shrine. Its presence is like a gateway to a hidden paradise. When you step away from the hustle and bustle and into the silence, you will feel that time is flowing there that is different from your daily life.

The approach where the spirits breathe, the sun shining through the trees and the carpet of moss

The moment you pass through the torii gate of Hajikama Shrine and step onto the approach, the atmosphere around you changes completely. Towering cedar trees cover overhead, and the sunlight shines through the trees and illuminates the ground. Under your feet, the fluffy moss spreads like a carpet, and its soft touch heals your mind and body.

[Photo・ Hachikama Shrine Torii]

The approach is like a gateway to a forest where spirits live. The straight trees give a sense of the vitality that stretches toward the heavens, and the sunlight shining through the trees shines as if to bless that life. The carpet of moss quietly marks history and welcomes visitors with kindness.

[Photo: Sando]

Every time I walk along the path, I feel as if my heart is being washed and my soul is being purified. This is not just a path, but a passage that leads to the sacred space.

Worship hall wrapped in silence

Sitting at the back of the approach, in a place surrounded by silence, is the worship hall of Hajikama Shrine. Standing quietly, it evokes a sense of ancient history and inspires awe in visitors.

[Photo/Worship Hall]

This worship hall enshrines the main deity of the Hajikama Shrine, Haji Mikoto. As the guardian deity of the Izu Islands, Hajimei has continued to watch over the lives of the people of the islands.

Quietly put your hands together in front of the worship hall, offer daily thanksgiving, and pray for the peace of the island. Such moments seem to have a special meaning at Hajikama Shrine.

Stone Memories, Cross-Carving Shrines and Hidden History

There are several small shrines scattered near the worship hall. Among them, the old shrine with a cross carved on it is particularly eye-catching.

[Photo: An old shrine with a cross carved on it]

This cross tells the history of the introduction of Christianity to Izu Oshima in the past. In the Edo period, Christianity was forbidden, and believers continued to defend their faith in secret. This shrine may have been a place of prayer for such hidden Christians.

The shrine carved with a cross tells the depth of the island's history and teaches us the importance of religious freedom.

Connection with the bee's butt in a sacred place overlooking Mt. Mihara

The location of Hajikama Shrine is not just a coincidence. As an extension of the line connecting the shrine to the "bee butt", which is one of the peaks of the outer ring mountains of Izu Oshima, you can worship Mt. Mihara, an active volcano.

This arrangement suggests that ancient people had a deep reverence for nature and revered Mt. Mihara, a volcano, as a sacred entity. It is thought that the Hajikama Shrine also served as a sacred place to appease Mt. Mihara and pray for the peace of the island.

Hajikama Shrine with the Five Senses: A Heart-Washing Experience

Hajikama Shrine is a place that stimulates all five senses: sight, hearing, smell, touch, and sixth sense.

Visual: Lush forests, moss carpets, ancient shrines, and sunlight shining through the trees.
Hearing: Birdsong, the sound of the wind, and silence.
Smell: The scent of earth, the scent of wood, and the scent of moss.
The softness of the moss, the warmth of the wood, and the power of the earth.
Sixth sense: Sacred air, the presence of spirits, and peace of mind.

Together, these elements make Hajikama Shrine a special experience that will wash your heart.

For visitors, tips for visiting Hajikama Shrine and surrounding information

Hajikama Shrine is a sacred place. When visiting the temple, keep the following points in mind.

Clothing: Wear clean, low-exposure clothing.
Attitude: Let's worship quietly and respectfully.
Do not damage or take home flora and fauna.

In addition, there are many spots around Hajikama Shrine where you can feel the nature and history of Izu Oshima, including the cut-through of Izuzu. If you have time to spare, take a stroll around the area.

A visit to Hajikama Shrine is a rare opportunity to experience the nature, history, and mythology of Izu Oshima. Please visit this mysterious space and have a heart-washing experience.

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