2025.04.10

Volcanic Island Protected by the Gods - Izu Oshima - (6) Omiya Shrine

vibration

Omiya Shrine sits as if embraced by Izu Oshima and its lush green land. This ancient shrine, tucked away in the Nomasu district, is more than just a shrine. Since the dawn of human habitation on the island, it has been enshrined in the ancestor of the development of Oshima, and it is a sanctuary filled with the abyss of history and faith. The dense forest of giant trees marks the eternity of time and invites visitors to a world of silence and mystery. The origins of Omiya Shrine can be traced back to the myth of the creation of the Izu Islands, and have been deeply rooted in the lives and beliefs of the islanders. However, Typhoon No. 15 in 2019 mercilessly struck this sacred site, causing serious damage by partially destroying the worship hall. Still, the clan members are unyielding and have risen to rebuild the Omiya Shrine, which has been preserved for a long time, and are starting to take a strong path to reconstruction through crowdfunding. Omiya Shrine is not just a historical building, but a spiritual pillar for the islanders and a source of courage to face difficulties.

Article Contents

Omiya Shrine, a forest of giant trees where the breath of myth dwells, the enshrinement of the Holy Spirit and a signpost to reconstruction
- 1. The origin of Omiya Shrine: The intersection of mythology and history

Omiya Shrine, a forest of giant trees where the breath of myth dwells, the enshrinement of the Holy Spirit and a signpost to reconstruction

1. The origin of Omiya Shrine: The intersection of mythology and history

The founding of Omiya Shrine dates back to the Nomasu district, where humans are said to have settled for the first time on Oshima. The place was once called Ajiko, and its name is engraved in the Enki Shiki Shrine Name Book as "Ajiko Shrine". This Ajiko has been the center of the islanders' faith since ancient times as a truly sacred place that enshrines the ancestor god of the development of Oshima.

The two main deities of Omiya Shrine are Amaterasu Omikami and Ajiko Mikoto. Amaterasu is the supreme being in Japan mythology and is widely known as the goddess who deified the sun. It is said that it was enshrined in Omiya Shrine when it was relocated to its current location in the middle of the Muromachi period. It is believed that its divine majesty brings national security, a bountiful harvest of five grains, and happiness for all people, and is deeply believed as the guardian deity of Omiya Shrine.

The other deity, Aji Komei, is a deity deeply involved in the myth of the creation of the Izu Islands. In the ancient document "Miyakeki" that tells the story of the genesis of the Izu Islands, the name of the "Empress of Nambuki" is recorded as the empress of Mishima Daimyojin, who is said to have created the Izu Islands. And the eldest son born to Habu Higaku and Mishima Daimyojin is Aji Komei, who was called "Prince Taro Oisho" and is enshrined as a shrine deity at Nomasu Omiya Shrine.

As the founder of the development of Oshima, Aji Komei has garnered immense respect from the islanders. It is believed that its divine virtues are wide-ranging, such as good luck, abundant harvests, family safety, and prosperity in the fishing industry, and that it protects the livelihood of the people of the island and brings fertility.

2. A forest of giant trees, a sanctuary where the breath of the gods dwells

The precincts of Omiya Shrine are surrounded by a dense forest of giant trees, reminiscent of a primeval forest. Hundreds of years old trees spread their branches to cover the sky, and from the approach to the shrine area, there are more than 100 imposing trees with trunk circumference of more than 90 cm. These giant trees have been watching over the history of Omiya Shrine for a long time, creating a solemn and mysterious atmosphere.

Of particular note are the trees that were designated as a natural monument by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in December 1939. These trees are extremely valuable and of great academic value due to their overwhelming age, huge trunk circumference, and unique shape. The forest of giant trees at Omiya Shrine continues to fascinate many people as an irreplaceable place where they can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and feel the vitality and mystery of nature firsthand. Walking through the forest will give you a special experience, as if you can hear the breath of the gods.

3. Typhoon No. 15: Nature's Fury and Trials

Typhoon No. 15, which occurred in September 2019, caused a record-breaking storm on Izu Oshima and caused extensive damage. Omiya Shrine was no exception, and was subjected to the unrelenting fury of nature, and suffered serious damage, with the worship hall partially destroyed. In particular, the fact that the sacred tree that towered over the temple grounds was uprooted and its huge body crushed the worship hall was a great shock to the people of the island.

After passing through the torii gate and proceeding along the approach, there was a changed scene. As the construction workers gathered and the atmosphere was tumultuous, I looked up and saw a sacred tree that had fallen miserably and a worship hall that was lying under it, exposing its miserable appearance. The collapse of the sacred tree, which can be said to be a symbol that has protected the Omiya Shrine for many years, caused indescribable sadness and shock.

The damage caused by the typhoon was not limited to the worship hall, but also spread to all parts of the temple grounds. Many trees were uprooted by the strong winds, and the approach road was reduced to a pile of rubble. In addition, the trees around the worship hall had to be cut down to prevent further damage. Omiya Shrine, which boasts a long history, faced an unprecedented test in the face of the wonders of nature.

4. Prayer for reconstruction and the light of hope in the form of crowdfunding

When I visited Omiya Shrine a few days after the typhoon, I saw that instead of being overwhelmed by despair, the clan members were moving forward with strength toward reconstruction. They were working diligently on restoration work, such as removing rubble around the worship hall and sorting out fallen trees. Their faces were filled with a strong will to face difficulties and an unwavering determination to rebuild the Omiya Shrine.

They asked me to take pictures and record the damage. About half of the roots of the sacred tree still remain in the ground, and it was decided to preserve it in its current state according to the judgment of experts. I felt a glimmer of hope in the vitality of the sacred tree.

In a conversation with the parishioners, they talked about using crowdfunding to raise funds and repair the half-destroyed worship hall. The earnest desire to rebuild the Omiya Shrine, which has been a place of reliance for the hearts of local residents for many years, was strongly conveyed.

The crowdfunding campaign was a great success, with the warm support of many people, successfully achieving the target amount. The dedication of the clan members and the prayers of the people who thought of Omiya Shrine made a miracle.

5. Carving out a new history with the future and hope of Omiya Shrine in mind

Currently, Omiya Shrine is steadily undergoing repair work on the worship hall based on the important funds raised through crowdfunding. They sincerely hope that it will be restored to its former beauty as soon as possible and that it will once again become a place of inspiration for the people of the region.

The reconstruction of Omiya Shrine will not only be a matter of restoring the building, but will also be an important step toward rebuilding the bonds of the local community and connecting them to the future. Surrounded by a forest of giant trees, Omiya Shrine will continue to warmly watch over the beliefs and lives of the people of the island, and will continue to be passed down to the future.

The story of the reconstruction of Omiya Shrine symbolizes the strength of human beings to face and overcome difficulties without succumbing to the fury of nature. This story will give us courage and hope, and will powerfully light the way to the future.

I want to read it together