2025.04.09

Izuyama Shrine, Atami, Ryujin Travelogue ~ A city that lives with Ryujin

vibration

Izuyama Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, offering tranquility and mystery to visitors. This place is also known as the place where the legend of the dragon god lives, and has attracted the faith of people since ancient times.

The shrine, which sits on the mountainside, is surrounded by abundant nature and welcomes visitors. When you pass through the torii gate, you will find a sacred area where fresh spiritual energy drifts. In particular, the story of Minamoto Yoritomo and Hojo Masako's reunion here will appeal to history buffs.

Located in the hot spring area of Atami, Izuyama Shrine brings new discoveries every time you visit. And everyone who visits will be able to experience the feeling of living with the dragon god rooted in this land.

Now, we will take you on a journey to explore this mysterious land in more depth and discover the legend of the dragon god.

Article Contents

Invitation to Izuyama Shrine Spiritual Journey
- 1. Okumiya and Hongu of Izuyama Shrine ~ Challenge to Sacred Heights

Invitation to Izuyama Shrine Spiritual Journey

Izuyama Shrine is a truly sacred place nurtured by its long history and rich nature. The approach road leading from the coastline of Atami to the top of the mountain is like a portal to another world. With each step of the foot, you will feel your body and mind cleansed and a new energy wells up. In this article, we will visit each spot of Izuyama Shrine and dig deeper into its charm and spiritual power.

1. Okumiya and Hongu of Izuyama Shrine ~ Challenge to Sacred Heights

In order to experience the essence of Izuyama Shrine, it is essential to visit the main shrine. The main shrine is located on a hill with a good view, about a one-hour walk from Izuyama Shrine. The altitude is not very high, but the road is not easy. The mountain roads, which were once places of training for ascetics, have retained the harshness of nature, and can be said to be a place of spiritual and physical trials.

However, after overcoming these hardships, an indescribable sense of excitement awaits. The moment you arrive at the main shrine, you will feel your whole body enveloped in pure energy. It's as if God warmly welcomes you, saying, "You've come a lot."

The main shrine is also the birthplace of Izuyama Shrine. Since ancient times, the beginning of the Izuyama Shrine was that the shining mirror that appeared on the beach of Atami was enshrined on Mt. Nichikane, and the mirror of the deity was moved from Mt. Nichikane to the Hongu Shrine and enshrined. In other words, it can be said that a visit to Izuyama Shrine can only make sense if you visit this main shrine.

The precincts of the main shrine are full of special power that other shrines do not have. Due to the fire in the Edo period, only a small worship hall and a torii gate remain, but the tranquil space seems to be condensed with sacred energy. From the moment you pass through the torii gate, you may feel as if time has stopped, and you may get goosebumps all over your body.

Is it the power of magma? I feel the energy that seems to spring up powerfully from the earth. Like a warlord who has sworn to God to rule the world, it is a powerful and supportive power that supports the courage of those who want to make a change. If you are at a crossroads in your life and have a strong desire to change something or take a step forward, please visit this shrine. I'm sure they'll give you a strong push on your back.

As you get closer to the shrine, the atmosphere of the place gradually changes. It's a strange feeling, like stepping from the human world to the otherworld. The tense air tenses the nerves just the right amount and lifts consciousness. It's as if the skin is vibrating lightly numb, touching the clear aether.

And as soon as you enter the grounds of the Hongu Shrine, you will be enveloped in the strongest zero local energy, and you will feel your body and soul purified at the same time. Magma energy rises from the earth, and an orange aura rises like a giant pillar. A rainbow-colored aura descends from the heavens as if it were a dragon god.

In the midst of an overwhelming scene, stand in front of the Hongu Shrine, express your gratitude to God, and make a new vow for yourself. At that moment, maybe two dragon gods will appear to you as well. If you say, "Convey the word of your vows to the heavens," it will circle around you three times to the right and ascend high into the heavens. If you can see a dragon, you will be lucky for the rest of your life.

However, the road to the main shrine is not easy. Since you will be walking on a mountain road that was a place for ascetics in the past, there are some quite steep roads. Be sure to prepare well for the hike and wear comfortable shoes and clothing. It is recommended that you wear comfortable shoes such as sneakers and have both hands available, such as a backpack.

Also, in order to avoid falling due to insect bites or hemming from branches, long pants are recommended for women rather than skirts. Mosquitoes are in large numbers in the summer, so don't forget to spray with bug repellent. Unpaved mountain roads can be very slippery due to rain. Be sure to choose a day when the weather is good, such as the day before and the day of the visit. Please watch your step.

It takes a little energy, so please visit the temple on a sunny day, be in good physical condition, and have plenty of time. If you are confident in your physical strength, want to enjoy the power, or want to visit the temple by the official route, please visit on foot.

If you want to go up to Hongu by car, take the Izu Tokai Bus from Atami Station and get off at the "Nanao Danchi" stop, and from there it is about a 15-minute walk. However, there is no sign for the main shrine, and it is located in a very difficult place to understand, so please check the location in advance before going out.

2. Approach and Stairway to Self-Transformation

The approach to Izuyama Shrine is very long, starting from the running hot spring near the coast at the bottom, and at the top of the 837 steps is Izuyama Shrine. With each step you climb these steps, you will feel your mind and body train and your motivation to transform yourself will increase.

Similar to walking to the main shrine, it takes a bit of energy to climb the stairs of the approach from the running hot spring to the Izuyama Shrine. Normally, many people come by bus or taxi to the first torii gate just below Izuyama Shrine. When you come to the bus stop in front of the first torii gate, you have already climbed 657 steps. From here, you can climb another 180 steps to reach the main shrine.

If you are confident in your legs, please try to climb from the bottom. You will feel a special sense of fulfillment. You will feel a mysterious power that will convince you that your luck will change by taking action.

If you plan to go up to the main shrine from the main shrine, we recommend that you come by car to this point (Ichi no Torii) to conserve your physical strength.

3. The love of Kyoko Koizumi, the torii gate at the back left of the main shrine

At the back of the left side of the main shrine is a torii gate labeled "Kyoko Koizumi". If you visit Izuyama Shrine, you will definitely see this torii.

Kyoko Koizumi, who once visited Izuyama Shrine, saw the dilapidated main shrine of Izuyama Shrine and asked the priest, "Won't it be restored?" and she replied, "It can't be restored because it costs money."

Therefore, Kyoko Koizumi donated 100 million yen to Izuyama Shrine, and with the funds, the main shrine of Izuyama Shrine was beautifully restored. As a thank you, the shrine erected a torii gate with Kyoko Koizumi's name on it.

Now, the main shrine has been beautifully reborn, and at the top of the main shrine, you can see a beautiful colorful dragon sculpture carved by a human national treasure. This dragon sculpture fascinates visitors and has become a new symbol of Izuyama Shrine.

Kyoko Koizumi's torii gate is deeply rooted in Izuyama Shrine not only as a token of gratitude, but also as a symbol of love that warms people's hearts.

4. Kokakusha (Adachi Gongensha) as Suesha: The Power to Carve Out Your Destiny

It enshrines Ennozuno, who is said to be the founder of Shugendo.

Yakusoku was a sorcerer of the Asuka period, who is said to have been born in 634 and died in 701. In the rock caves, he received the secret method of the Peacock Myo, and at Mt. Ikoma, he admonished and converted the demon-like couple who were harming and tormenting people, Zenki and Goki, and made them his disciples.

Yakukosumi, who was accused of "misleading people's hearts with magic", was exiled to Izu Oshima. However, even after he was exiled, it is said that he used his flying skills to escape from the island at night and flew to Izu Daigongen to train.

It is said to be the god of destiny development, and there is also a belief that it strengthens the legs and hips.

In 1799 (Kansei 11), more than 100 years after his death, he was praised for his divine virtues and given the god title of "Jinbendai Ibosatsu".

In addition, it is said that the "running hot spring", also known as the spirit bath or the divine bath, was discovered by Yakusoku.

Yakosumi, the god of destiny reclamation. If you want to carve out your own destiny with your own hands, please visit us.

This wooden statue of Yakokaku is a designated cultural property of Atami City.

5. Integrating with the energy of the running water and the earth

The running hot spring at the foot of the sea, on the approach to Izuyama Shrine, was an object of worship as a sacred hot spring.

Originally, only ascetics could enter the hot spring after completing a day's training, but later it was opened to the general public. And it is said that people worshipped after purifying themselves at the cleanliness of the running bath.

Runyu is the only side-hole type hot spring in Japan. It's not often that you see hot water gushing out. It's as if you're looking at the pulse of the earth laid bare.

The inside of the cave is filled with hot air like a sauna, and the moment you step into it, there is a refreshing feeling that evil spirits and fatigue are removed at once, and you may be so comfortable that you may repeatedly go in and out.

You can also get to this spiritual hot spring "Running Bath" by car, so please stop by when you visit Izuyama Shrine.

Izuyama Shrine ~ The End of Your Spiritual Journey

Izuyama Shrine is more than just a tourist attraction. It is a sacred place that will heal your soul and give you new energy. Prayer at the main shrine, dialogue with the self on the approach, Kyoko Koizumi's love, the power of Yakukosumi, and the energy of the earth of running baths. All of this will take you to a new level.

A trip to Izuyama Shrine should be a spiritual journey to listen to your inner voice and find your true self. Why don't you visit Izuyama Shrine and experience its mysterious power? It will surely be an unforgettable experience that will change your life.

I want to read it together