2025.04.09

Izuyama Shrine, a sacred place of fire and water where the magma energy of the earth springs up

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Izusan Shrine is an ancient shrine that has been called by various names since ancient times, such as Izu Imperial Shrine, Izu Daigongen, Soudai Gongen, and Souzan. It is revered by people as a god of good luck, good fortune, harmony, and marriage, and its history is said to date back to the time of Emperor Takaaki, the fifth emperor of Japan (5th century BC ~ 4th century BC). Surrounded by the rich nature of the Izu Peninsula and filled with the magmatic energy of the earth, this place is truly a sacred place of fire and water, and is known as a power spot that gives visitors a deep impression and healing.

Article Contents

Izuyama Shrine, the breath of the gods that weave strong luck and marriage
- The power of Izu Ōkami that lives from the age of mythology

Izuyama Shrine, the breath of the gods that weave strong luck and marriage

The power of Izu Ōkami that lives from the age of mythology

The main shrine of Izuyama Shrine is enshrined with a wooden statue of a male god (the largest statue of a god in Japan in the middle of the Heian period), which is said to have appeared in the sea of Oiso in Sagami Province during the reign of Emperor Ojin and was enshrined in Mt. Nichikane during the reign of Emperor Nintoku. The source of Izu Ookami's power is the spiritual hot spring that springs up. It is said that the name of the place Izu was derived from the word Yuizuru. The power of Izu Ōkami extends to Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Hatsushima, and the other islands of Izu, which speaks of its vastness.

History as a Sacred Place

In the Go-Shirakawain Gosho's "Ryōdō Secret Shūshū", Izuyama Shrine is mentioned as one of the "four spiritual training sites", and in the late Heian period, it became famous as a mountain shugen sacred place and became a famous dojo for learning Shinto. There is a tradition that Kukai also practiced, and it can be seen that his spiritual experience was widely known. It is also connected to the Kumano faith, and Suesha are enshrined all over the country, which speaks to the spread of the faith.

The deep meaning behind the gods and their names

The deities of Izuyama Shrine are the following three pillars.

Masaya Akatsu Katsu Haya Hiame no Oshihomi Mikoto

Takuhatachihime no Mikoto

Tianjin Hikohiko Fire Gourd (Amatsu Hiko Hikoho no Nigi no Mikoto)

Of particular note is the Shoyago Katsukatsu Hiten Shinobi Ho Ear Son. His name carries a deep and powerful message.

"Let the sun rise, and the sun rise, and the sun rises

This song preaches the importance of valuing an honest heart and living righteously. He suggests that if the mind is not distorted, it can overcome all difficulties and guide the lost, enrich the country, and make the people prosperous, just as the sun shines through the darkness.

The Mystery of Fire and Water Controlled by Two Red and White Dragons

According to the auspiciousness of the Izuyama Shrine "Mt. Suriyu" (established in the Kamakura period), two red and white dragons lie in harmony at the bottom of Mt. Izu. It is said that its tail is immersed in the lake water of Hakone (Lake Ashi), and its head is in the depths of Mt. Izu, and the place where the hot springs spring (running water) is said to be in the eyes and two ears and nostrils of this dragon. The two dragons exhale spirit and mingle with the red-white seawater. Nishikiura (now Atami Nishikigaura) is said to be called this.

The two red and white dragons are the companion deities of the god of worship, the god of worship, the god of heavenly ninho, and the red represents fire and the white represents water, respectively, and is the guardian god of hot springs that produces hot water (hot springs) with the power of fire and water. The two red and white dragons are also applied to the water in the temple grounds, the shrine hall, and the amulet, and are the symbol of Izuyama Shrine. This legend symbolically expresses the characteristic of the fusion of fire and water of Izuyama Shrine, and it has made a deep impression on people.

The vast sanctuary and the majesty of the main shrine

The main shrine is located at an altitude of 170 meters above sea level, overlooking Sagami Nada. The precincts are part of the Kogoi Forest and boast an area of about 40,000 tsubo. This place used to be called the Upper Palace. At a point less than 50 meters above sea level after descending the stairs, there is the site of Shimomiya, and further down to Izuhama, there is a running hot spring. In addition, there is a main shrine in the mountains 380 meters above sea level. Mt. Izu is the cornerstone of a vast sacred area that straddles the three kingdoms of Izu, Sagami, and Suruga, and is connected to Mt. Nichikane and Mt. Iwato, and its majesty overwhelms visitors.

Izuyama Shrine as a power spot

Izuyama Shrine and its approach (the road leading from the main shrine to the main shrine) are indeed power spots that benefit from the earth's magma. It is said that when you walk along the long approach, you can feel the warmth coming from your feet, as if you were taking a bedrock bath, and you will feel tired and energized just by walking. The energy of this place has the power to heal and energize people's minds and bodies.

The deep bond between Minamoto Yoritomo and Izuyama Shrine

A long time ago, Minamoto Yoritomo, who was captured by Taira Kiyomori during the Heiji Rebellion, escaped the death penalty on the advice of Taira Kiyomori's stepmother, Ikezenni, and was exiled to Hirugakojima in Izu. However, even in exile, they were allowed to hunt and exchange letters, and lived a life with a high degree of freedom.

Yoritomo studied under Izu Gongen and Ashari Kakubuchi (brother of Kato Kageten) and made a vow of 1,000 volumes of the Lotus Sutra in prayer for the revival of Genji. However, something urgent happened, and he asked Izu Gongen if he could go to war with 800 volumes, and he dared to raise the flag and won. In the meantime, Izu Gongen prayed for Yoritomo's victory and protected Hojo Masako. In addition, Hakone Gongen (monk Gyoji) also supported the revival of Genji.

In order to repay this favor, Yoritomo, who established the Kamakura shogunate, made two pilgrimages to Izu Gongen and Hakone Gongen official events of the shogunate, and Izu Gongen became the object of reverence as a shrine under the direct control of the shogunate. Since then, the shrine has been deeply worshipped by successive Kamakura shoguns, and has flourished as a shrine for praying for victory in the Kanto region.

After Minamoto Yoritomo became the Great Shogun, he donated a lot of company land as a "Kanpachishu Protector" to express the highest reverence of the shogunate. In addition, he was revered by the Go-Hojo clan during the Sengoku period and the Tokugawa shogun in the Edo period. When a samurai takes an oath, the name of Izuyama Shrine is always listed in the petition as a shrine to prove the oath.

Weaving history, passing it on to the present

Even after the name was changed to Izuyama Shrine due to the Meiji Restoration's separation decree, the then Crown Prince, later Emperor Showa, visited the shrine on January 13, Taisho 3, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hiromiya Tokuhito visited on September 12, Showa 55. This is proof that Izuyama Shrine has been revered by the Imperial Family throughout the ages.

It is said that Tokugawa Ieyasu, who respected Minamoto Yoritomo, bathed in Atami before the battle of Sekigahara and achieved the unification of the world with the power of the hot springs. Minamoto Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, who ruled the Kamakura shogunate for the first time by samurai. The first shogun of the Edo shogunate, Tokugawa Ieyasu. The Izuyama Shrine, which was the key to the victory of both sides, seems to hide the secret of strong luck and the trade-in of heaven.

Attractions scattered around the precincts

The precincts are not large, but there are various attractions, each with its own history and story. The majesty of the main shrine, the mystery of the running bath, the legend of the two red and white dragons, and the charm of the approach as a power spot. Izuyama Shrine is a sacred place that impresses and heals visitors, and makes them feel the breath of the gods who weave good luck and marriage.

The charm of Izuyama Shrine living in the present day

In modern society, Izuyama Shrine is not just a tourist destination, but is supported by many people as a place of heart and a power spot. For modern people living in a stressful society, it is very important to refresh the mind and body in a quiet space surrounded by nature. Izuyama Shrine is a place that can fully fulfill its role.

In addition, as the god of marriage, many people visit in search of a good relationship. It is believed to have the power to connect not only with love fulfillment, but also with various relationships such as work and relationships. The message contained in the name of the Honourable Shoyago Katsukatsu Hiten Shinobi Ho Ear serves as a guideline for overcoming difficulties and grasping happiness, and powerfully supports people's hearts.

Trip to Izuyama Shrine ・ Pilgrimage to the Holy Land that connects the past and the present

A trip to Izuyama Shrine is not just a sightseeing trip, but a pilgrimage to a sacred place that connects the past and the present. It will be a valuable opportunity to experience history and tradition, feel the energy of nature, and reflect on one's own inner self.

Walk slowly along the path, touch the warmth of the running water, and pray quietly in the main shrine. Then, thinking of the legend of the two red and white dragons, I engrave in my heart the message contained in the name of the Shoyago Katsukatsu Hiten Shinobi Ho Ear Son. At that time, you will surely be filled with new energy and hope.

Izuyama Shrine will continue to be passed down to the future as a place of support for people's hearts and as a power spot, without losing its brilliance.

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