2025.04.12

Gods of Hitachi Country, Oiwa Shrine Part 3

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Oiwa Shrine, located in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture, has been attracting more and more attention in recent years as a power spot wrapped in its eternal history and sacred atmosphere. In particular, the Kabire Shrine, which was deeply worshipped by Prince Tokugawa Mitsukuni, known as the Mito Yellow Gate, and positioned as a prayer hall for the Mito Domain, is one of the places where you can feel the spirit of Mt. Oiwa most strongly. This time, we will approach the charm of this sacred place while unraveling the history and lore related to the mountain climbing experience of Mt. Oiwa and the history and lore related to Kabire Jingu.

Article Contents

The Sacred Land of Mito Yellow Gate ・ The Mystery of Kabire Shrine and Mt. Oiwa
- Mt. Oiwa, which carves out an eternal history, the breath of Jomon and the enshrinement of the gods

The Sacred Land of Mito Yellow Gate ・ The Mystery of Kabire Shrine and Mt. Oiwa

Mt. Oiwa, which carves out an eternal history, the breath of Jomon and the enshrinement of the gods

Mt. Oiwa is a mountain with an altitude of about 492 meters and is popular as a mountain where you can easily enjoy climbing. However, its history dates back to the Jomon period, and the discovery of traces of rituals shows that it has been revered as an object of worship since ancient times. The entire mountain is made up of strata that are about 500 million years old, and its grand scale is so powerful that it overwhelms visitors.

As the ancient saying goes, "The heavenly gods rest on the high peaks of the pure mountains," Mt. Oiwa has attracted people's reverence as a sacred mountain where the gods rest. The deadline for climbing to the summit is 15:00, and since it is a sacred area, there are various promises for climbing. Check the official page and enjoy climbing with respect.

The climbing route to Mt. Oiwa has two paths: Omotesando and Urasando, which branch off from the worship hall. Omotesando is a relatively gentle road, but Urasando is a bit steep. This time, I chose the route of climbing from Omotesando and returning by Urasando.

Omotesando is enveloped in a mysterious atmosphere, and the road to feel harmony with nature

When you enter Omotesando from the worship hall of Oiwa Shrine, you will find a quiet road surrounded by dense trees. The approach path with sunlight shining through the trees is like a portal to another world. After walking for a while, the road gradually becomes steeper, but the rich nature around you will make you forget your fatigue.

Perhaps because the entire mountain is a sacred body, many people have a strange experience that they do not feel tired even when walking. After walking for about 20 minutes, you will see the "Kabire Shrine" that sits in the middle.

Kabire Jingu Shrine, Mito Domain's Prayer Hall, Entrance to Another Dimension

Kabire Jingu Shrine is surrounded by an even more sacred atmosphere as the inner shrine of Oiwa Shrine. When you go through the torii gate and climb the stone steps, you will find a space that is completely different from the foothills, as if it were in a different dimension. Some people may feel a strange sensation, like stars falling from the sky.

In the Edo period, Prince Tokugawa Yorifusa, the first lord of the Mito Domain, solicited the Dewa Sanzan and positioned the Kabire Shrine as the national peak of the Mito Domain. Successive feudal lords, including the second feudal lord, Prince Tokugawa Mitsukuni (Mito Huangmon), worshipped the Kabire Shrine as a place of prayer where worship was a regular occurrence.

In front of the shrine of Kabire Jingu Shrine, there is a huge stone called "Imagami Iwa". This rock is about 500 million years old and has been revered as a sacred place since ancient times.

Imakamiishi and Mito Huangmon also prayed to the Spirit Heavenly Throne

A long time ago, water gushed out from the depths of Imakamiishi, forming a pond called "Mitamari Pond". Today, the water in the pond has dried up, but a monument has been erected on the site.

It is said that when Tokugawa Mitsukuni compiled the history of Greater Japan, he performed a brush dyeing ceremony with the water of this pond in Mitamanri. The History of Japan is a history book of Japan that records the reign of 100 emperors from Emperor Jimmu to Emperor Go-Komatsu, and was continued for more than 200 years as a project of the Mito Domain even after the death of Prince Kokuno, and was completed in the Meiji era. Imakamiishi was also the place where Prince Kwangkun prayed for his success in compiling the history of the nation.

Amaterasu, the god of the Kabire Shrine, the life of the gods of the Kabire Shrine, the life of the gods of the gods of the Kabire Shrine, the life of the gods of the gods of the shrine, the life of the gods of the shrine, the life of the gods of the gods of the shrine, the life of the gods of the gods

The following three gods are enshrined in Kabire Jingu.

Amaterasu Omikami, the supreme deity in Japan mythology and the goddess who deified the sun. He is also revered as the ancestor of the imperial family.
He is the grandson of Amaterasu, and the protagonist of the advent of the Heavenly Grandson who descended to earth. He is the grandfather of Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan.
Tachihayahio no Mikoto, a god in Japan mythology. The details are unclear, but it is believed to be a powerful deity.

These gods have long been revered as protecting the land of Japan and bringing blessings to the people. Kabire Shrine attracts many worshippers as a sacred place to receive the divine virtues of these gods, purify the mind and body, and fulfill wishes.

To the summit of Mt. Oiwa, in search of a superb view where the gods breathe

After cleansing your body and mind at Kabire Shrine, it's time to head to the summit of Mt. Oiwa. The path becomes even steeper, but the surrounding nature becomes richer and richer, adding to the mysterious atmosphere.

The road to the summit is dotted with huge boulders and rock formations, each with its own name and legend. These rocks symbolize the sacredness of Mt. Oiwa and give us a sense of the power of nature.

When you reach the top of the mountain, you will be greeted with breathtaking views. You can see the Pacific Ocean in the distance and the lush green mountains below. This view is truly the place where the gods live, and it is indescribably moving.

Descending the mountain from the back approach and making new discoveries

After enjoying the scenery at the top of the mountain, descend from the back approach. Urasando is a little steeper than Omotesando, but you can enjoy the varied nature.

During the descent, you can encounter a variety of flora and fauna. The singing of rare wild birds and the appearance of beautiful wildflowers will soothe your soul.

Visiting the Oiwa Shrine is more than just sightseeing. It is a precious experience that makes you feel in harmony with nature and deepen your connection with the gods. By stepping foot on Mt. Oiwa and praying at the Kabire Shrine, you will be cleansed of your mind and body, and you will be energized and hopeful.

Precautions for visiting Oiwa Shrine and to protect sacred places

Oiwa Shrine is a sacred place, and there are some precautions to be taken when visiting.

Avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing, and wear clothes that are easy to move around.
Time: The deadline for climbing to the summit is 15:00. Let's visit with plenty of time.
Manners ・ Please stay quiet in the sanctuary and do not disturb other worshippers.
Be sure to take your trash home with you and don't pollute the precincts.
Do not damage or take home flora and fauna.

By following these precautions and worshipping with respect, you will have a better experience.

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