2025.04.09

Rediscovering the charm of Kurimiya Shrine and a city that lives with the dragon god

vibration

The Kurimiya Shrine is tucked away in Atami. In recent years, it has become a popular tourist spot visited by many worshippers, fascinated by its mysterious atmosphere and rich nature. However, its charm lies in its profound history and spiritual power, which cannot be fully experienced by simply visiting the temple. Therefore, this time, we will thoroughly introduce the unknown ways to enjoy the shrine from the locals. Let's experience the mystery of the shrine that continues to preserve the ancient faith and embark on a journey that heals both body and mind.

Article Contents

Locals talk about hidden ways to enjoy and experience power spots
- The power of the amulet hidden in the mysterious "boar's eye pattern"

Locals talk about hidden ways to enjoy and experience power spots

The power of the amulet hidden in the mysterious "boar's eye pattern"

When you visit the main shrine of Kurimiya Shrine, the first thing you should pay attention to is the cute heart-shaped pattern applied to the center of the upper part of the main shrine. This is one of the traditional patterns handed down from ancient Japan called the "boar's eye pattern". At first glance, this heart-shaped pattern literally imitates the eyes of a wild boar and has been said to have the meaning of amulets and amulets since ancient times.

Its history is very old, and it has been confirmed that this boar's eye pattern was already used for sword blades excavated from ancient burial mounds in the 6th ~ 7th centuries. Because of its bravery and strength, boars have long been thought to have the power to exorcise demons and prevent disaster. For this reason, the boar's eye pattern has been used in various places, such as decorations of shrines and temples, weapons, and furnishings.

It is believed that the boar's eye pattern on the main shrine of the shrine serves as a barrier to protect worshippers from disasters and to allow them to pray to the gods with a pure heart. When you visit the main shrine, be sure to look for this adorable heart-shaped pattern and feel its mysterious power. You will surely be able to visit the temple with peace of mind and a peaceful feeling.

The story of the dispute over fishing rights and the miracle that protected Ōkusu "The Ozuna Incident"

Towering over the precincts of the shrine, the Ōkusu tree is over 2,000 years old. Its overwhelming presence envelops visitors with deep emotion. However, this Ōkusu has a sad history, having been on the verge of logging in the past.

The time is the Kaei year at the end of the Edo period. At that time, there was a fierce battle over fishing rights in Atami. In order to raise legal expenses, the fishermen decide to cut down the chestnut trees that grow in the shrine grounds. First of all, five relatively young chestnut trees were cut down, but just as they were about to put an axe into the large chestnut, a surprising event occurred.

A gray-haired old man appeared and tried to protect Ōkusu with outstretched arms. The old man may have been the priest of the shrine or the incarnation of Kusunoki's spirit. When the logger swung the axe down, it broke in half. This miraculous event frightened the loggers and stopped the felling of the Ōkusu tree. The people believed that this was a message from God, and Ōkusu was spared the danger of logging.

This event was passed down as the "Ozura Incident" and is still cherished among the locals. The Ōkusu enshrined in the back left of the main shrine survived this incident and is still alive and well. Take a leisurely walk around Ōkusu and feel its vitality and mystical power.

Receiving the benefits of good luck and career "Good luck career benzaiten"

In the precincts of the shrine, there is a shrine to the right of the main shrine called "Good Luck Career Benzaiten". Benzaiten is the goddess of music, performing arts, and fortune, and is said to have the benefits of prosperous business and good fortune. The Benzaiten of the Kurimiya Shrine also has the benefits of good luck and career, and many worshippers come to pray for success.

Around this benzaiten, stones called Izu stones are paved. This Izu stone is the same stone used for the moat of Edo Castle, and was once quarried from the entire Izu Peninsula and transported to Edo Castle by boat. Due to its strength and durability, Izu stone is useful for building strong stone walls, and most of the stone walls of Edo Castle are made of Izu stone.

Tokugawa Ieyasu, who wished to win the battle against the Toyotomi family, devoted himself to building a strong stone wall and focused on the quality of Izu stone. The Izu Peninsula has long been known as a stone production area, and its high quality has been widely known. In addition, the decision was made to use Izu stone because the use of ships could transport a larger amount of stone to Edo more efficiently than by land.

When you visit Benzaiten, be sure to touch this Izu stone. If you feel the strength of the stones that supported the history of Edo Castle and pray for good luck in your career, your wish will surely come true.

Sacred tree "Ōkusu" that is more than 2,000 years old, a power spot full of life energy

The biggest attraction of the shrine is the Ōkusu tree, which is over 2,000 years old. After praying at the main shrine, go through the path on the left and you will see a huge sacred tree. Its overwhelming presence is enough to leave visitors speechless.

Ōkusu is also designated as a national natural monument and boasts the oldest tree in Honshu. The thickness of the trunk is a whopping 23.9 meters, and the strength of its vitality is astonishing. There is a mysterious air around Ookusu, and you will feel as if you have wandered into another world.

It may be a little difficult to understand, but in the back right of the shrine of Ōkusu, you can see a dragon rising and a snake wrapped around it in the upper right. (Some of the trees look like that.) This is a coincidence created by nature, but it adds to the mystique of Ōkusu.

Ōkusu is revered as a symbol of "immortality and longevity" and "disease-free life", and it is said that if you go around it, your life will be extended by one year. In addition, it is said that if a person has a wish, he or she will make a wish if he circles the Ōkusu counterclockwise while reciting the wish in his heart without telling anyone.

If you pick up a fallen chestnut branch and smell it while going around the large chestnut, you will smell it like a chest of drawers. This is due to the ingredients contained in Kusunoki, which are said to have a relaxing effect. Also, let's touch the area directly behind the Ookusu. You should feel a very strong power flowing in slowly.

The air that drifts around the Ōkusu tree, which is thought to be about 4.5 meters in diameter, has a tingling life energy, similar to low frequencies, and irritates the skin all over the body. It is proof that the ancient giant tree has a spiritual power over a long period of time and stores spiritual energy like a battery. If you slowly circle around the tree to the left, you will resonate with the chestnut tree, and the spiritual energy of the oak tree will flow into your body. Then, the cloudy mind clears and the whole body is full of vitality. It is truly a life charger in nature.

A clear stream flows next to Ōkusu, and it is in a very pleasant place that is cool even in summer. After visiting the main shrine, please visit this Ōkusu and feel its power with your whole body. It is highly recommended for those who want to improve their health luck and change their constitution to good fortune.

Creating an environment where you can worship with a heart, and have a blissful time at the tea dormitory "Hoko"

Kurimiya Shrine is promoting a project to "create an environment where people can worship with a sense of heart," and as part of this project, a tea dormitory "Hoko" has been set up where people can relax after visiting the shrine. The interior of the store with a modern Japanese atmosphere is a calm space and is ideal for healing the fatigue of worship.

In addition, smartphone stands for smartphone photography are installed at the entrance and in the precincts, and fallen leaves are laid out in a heart shape for shooting. It is no wonder that the shrine is very popular with women in their 20s ~ 40s.

By the way, it is said that the word "hoko" means the etiquette of beating the drum at the beginning of the festival as a signal for gathering. It is a hope that many people will visit.

At the tea house "Hoko", you can enjoy various menus such as "Raifuku Sweets". After your visit, please stop by and spend a blissful time while tasting delicious sweets.

Summary・Go on a journey to heal your mind and body at Kurimiya Shrine

The shrine is a fascinating tourist attraction that blends history, culture, nature, and spiritual power. Please refer to the ways of enjoying the locals introduced this time and visit the shrine. The mysterious boar's eye pattern, the Ookusu that hides the story of miracles, the Benzaiten that bestows the blessings of good luck and career, and the Ookusu that is full of life energy. The shrine has a special power that heals and energizes the mind and body of those who visit it.

I want to read it together