2025.04.12

Gods of Hitachi Country, Ōtsuki Shrine, Izumi Shrine

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A landlocked country with an ancient history and mysteries. Located in the center of the city, the Ōtsuki Shrine and the Izumi Shrine are sacred places that convey a deep connection with the gods to the present day.

The shrine has attracted many worshippers for its ancient history and its mystical powers. Its unique festivals and legends invite visitors to the world of the gods. On the other hand, the Izumi Shrine is symbolized by the spring water, which is said to be the residence of the gods, and provides a soothing space in harmony with nature.

By visiting these shrines, you will be able to learn more about the stories of the rich gods of Hitachi and the history of their deep beliefs. We will unravel the charm of each shrine and its origin, and propose a journey that goes one step further.

Article Contents

The Mystery of the Throne and the Prayer of Pure Water
- Ōtsuki Shrine, sealing the stars and calming the earth, the Banda of the zero magnetic field
  - Izumi Shrine and Pure Water Speak for the Source of Life
  - The story of rebirth spun by two sacred places, the Ōtsuki Shrine and the Izumi Shrine

The Mystery of the Throne and the Prayer of Pure Water

Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Facing the Pacific Ocean, this land is home to rich nature, history, and numerous shrines that have attracted people's beliefs since ancient times. This time, we will focus on two shrines that are said to have particularly strong spiritual energy: Ōtsuki Shrine and Izumi Shrine. The Ōtsuki Shrine is the center of the Iwaza cult, which harbors ancient memories, while the Izumi Shrine is a place where a clear spring springs out and symbolizes the source of life. A trip to these two shrines will be a special experience to feel the breath of the ancient gods, purify the body and mind, and gain new energy.

Ōtsuki Shrine, sealing the stars and calming the earth, the Banda of the zero magnetic field

Omikajinja is an ancient shrine located in Omika-cho, Hitachi City, and is officially called Omikashizujinja Shrine. It is said to have been founded in the first year of the Imperial Era (660 BC) and has a history of more than 2,600 years. This shrine is particularly noteworthy for the presence of two gods: Takehatsuchi Mikoto, the chief deity, and Mikaboshikaseo, the landlord deity.

Takeha Tsuchimei is also known as the "God of Weaving" and is known as the god of weaving. The word "wobun" refers to ancient textiles, and Takeha Tsuchimei has been worshipped as a goddess who brings fertility and stability to people's lives. On the other hand, the god of the stars, Kaga, is thought to refer specifically to Venus, as the word "kaga" means "to shine." It has been revered as a deity that symbolizes the mystery and power of the stars shining in the night sky.

When talking about the history of the Ōtsuki Shrine, it is indispensable to tell the lore related to the Ōtsuki Shrine. In Japan mythology, it is said that when the god of thunder (Takemikazuchi no Kami) and the chief god of Kyozu (Futsunushi no Kami) tried to pacify the god Kokuzu in the eastern country, it was this man who resisted to the end. It is said that the two gods eventually enlisted the power of Takeha Tsuchi to imprison the Tang Star Xiangxiang in the Soul Stone of Mt. Ōtsuki.

This soul stone is the most important element of the shrine and is the source of the shrine's spiritual power. The Soul Stone refers to the entire huge rocky mountain in the temple grounds, and is believed to be the place where the desolate soul of the Tang Xing Xiangxiang is sealed. This rocky mountain is made up of strata from the Cambrian period, which is 500 million years old. It has existed here after a mind-boggling time.

The current shrine of Ōtsuki Shrine was relocated to the Soul Stone by the order of Tokugawa Mitsukuni (Mito Yellow Gate) during the Genroku period of the Edo period. It is believed that this was a measure to appease the power of the Xiangxiang Taller and to prevent it from bringing disaster to the people. By erecting the shrine on the soul stone, the sacredness of the shrine was enhanced and prayers were made for the peace and security of the community.

When you visit the shrine, you will be taken aback by its overwhelming energy. In particular, the area around the Soul Stone is enveloped in a special atmosphere that is different from others, and you will feel as if you have wandered into another world. This location, also known as the zero magnetic field, is thought to be a special point where the Earth's magnetic fields cancel each other out. The zero magnetic field is said to have the effect of concentrating energy easily and balancing the mind and body, and many people visit it for healing and revitalization.

The precincts of the shrine are dotted with various shrines, including the main shrine, the worship hall, and the recently built Jinsei Shrine. At the main shrine, you can offer daily gratitude to the chief deity, Takeha Tsuchimei, and at the Jinsei Shrine, you can pray to the god of the stars, Kakao Tsuboshi, for guidance to the future.

The shrine is not just a tourist destination, but is used by many people as a place to face one's inner self deeply and gain new strength. By meditating while feeling the energy of the Soul Stone or taking a deep breath in the silence of the temple grounds, you will be able to enhance the relaxation effect of your mind and body and awaken your dormant potential.

Izumi Shrine and Pure Water Speak for the Source of Life

Izumi Shrine, located about a few tens of minutes by car from Ōtsuki Shrine, is a shrine that has been dedicated to the god of water since ancient times, located in Mizuki-cho, Hitachi City. The deity of the festival is Ameno Hayatama Himeno Mikoto. As the name suggests, the pure spring that springs up in the temple grounds is the biggest attraction of this shrine.

It is said that the founding of Izumi Shrine dates back to the reign of the 10th Emperor Sujin (42 BC), and it is a venerable shrine that is also listed in the Enki Shikinai Shrine. According to the legend, it is said that it began when the minister Ikagashi Konomikoto received a royal order to go to this place at the request of Kujino Miyatsuko Funase Shukune and enshrine the life of Tenhaya Tamahime.

The fountain, which is the symbol of Izumi Shrine, is described as "Oi" in the Hitachi Kokufudoki, and has been an irreplaceable water source that has supported the lives of local people since ancient times. In the company record, it is written, "Heaven descends to the earth of the Ancient Spirit Ball, and the spiritual water rises to form a spring, and the Izumikawa Spirit Ball is used as a divine body," which eloquently tells us that this spring is a sacred place.

Amazingly, the amount of water gushing out of this spring is said to reach as much as 1500 liters per minute. Its high transparency and beautiful shade of emerald green fascinate the viewer. This color is thought to be created by the reflection of light by components such as shells and sand deposited at the bottom of the spring, suggesting that this place was once a sea.

The fountain at Izumi Shrine has been cherished not only as a source of water, but also as a place for sacred ceremonies. Since ancient times, the water of this spring has been believed to have the power to heal diseases and cleanse impurities, and many people have come from far and wide to seek its blessings. Even today, there is no end to the number of people who take the water from the spring home and use it for cleansing and drinking.

The precincts of Izumi Shrine are surrounded by lush nature, centered on the springs, and are called "Izumi ga Mori". This forest is home to a wide variety of trees and beautiful scenery in all four seasons. The murmur of the spring and the sound of the leaves of the trees swaying in the wind resonate comfortably and gently soothe the hearts of visitors.

The precincts of Izumi Shrine are dotted with various shrines, such as the worship hall, the main shrine, and Benzaiten. In the worship hall, you can give daily thanks to the life of the deity of the festival, Tenhaya Tamahime, and thank the blessings of the spring. Benzaiten is known as the god of water, as well as the god of music, art, and fortune, and many people worship him for his benefits.

Izumi Shrine is a place where the energy of the earth is concentrated, and it gives vitality and vitality to those who visit. By looking at the water of the spring and taking a deep breath in the nature of the temple grounds, you will be able to refresh your mind and body and gain new energy. In addition, the pure water of the spring can be expected to have a purifying effect on the mind, so it is especially recommended for those who are feeling daily stress and mental fatigue.

The story of rebirth spun by two sacred places, the Ōtsuki Shrine and the Izumi Shrine

Ōtsuki Shrine and Izumi Shrine are shrines with different personalities, but by visiting both, you can get a deeper and richer spiritual experience. By experiencing the mystery of the star-sealed Iwaza at the Ōtsuki Shrine and feeling the power of the pure spring that is the source of life at the Izumi Shrine, you will be able to balance your mind and body and discover a new self.

A trip between these two shrines will be a special pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where you will feel the breath of the ancient gods and connect with the energy of the earth. Getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and spending some quiet time in nature is a rare opportunity to listen to your inner voice and reassess what really matters.

The gods of Hitachi Province dwell at the Ōtsuki Shrine and the Izumi Shrine. We encourage you to visit this place and experience its mystical energy. New discoveries and healings are surely waiting for you. The power of Iwaza and the blessings of clean water will gently envelop your mind and body.

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