2025.04.10

Volcanic Island Protected by the Gods - Izu Oshima - (5) Habu Higakumei Shrine

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Izu Oshima is a volcanic island where rich nature and mysterious culture merge. This beautiful island is home to numerous myths and legends, most notably the Habu Higamei Shrine, which continues to be loved by locals and tourists alike.

The Habu Higakumei Shrine is a shrine that stands in a solemn atmosphere and provides visitors with a quiet and peaceful time. This shrine is located in a place where the gods of the sea and mountains breathe, where the forces of nature and the faith of the people are in silent harmony.

What kind of history and stories are hidden behind this mysterious background? And what is the unique charm of the Habu Higakumei Shrine? Expectations are high for the story that will be unraveled in the future.

Article Contents

A journey through time and space through the hidden treasures of Izu Oshima
- Nostalgic Landscapes: Soothing Harbor Scenes

A journey through time and space through the hidden treasures of Izu Oshima

Namuki PortTucked away in the southern part of Izu Oshima, Namuki Port is a port town with a calm and nostalgic air, as if time has stopped. Surrounded by silence away from the hustle and bustle, this place is located about 30 minutes by bus or car from Motomachi Port and Okada Port, the gateway to Oshima. But the value of the journey is immeasurable. Hafuki Port is not only a beautiful port, but also a place where many literati, painters, and nobles who colored the turbulent times of the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras gathered, interacted, and became a source of creativity. For those who come to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and seek a rest of mind, Habuki Port always welcomes you warmly.

Nostalgic Landscapes: Soothing Harbor Scenes

The moment you step into the harbor, what catches your eye is the gently shimmering surface of the water and the scenery of the old houses that surround it. It has a nostalgic and nostalgic atmosphere and gently envelops visitors. The scent of the sea breeze and the chirping of birds will make you forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can feel the slow passage of time, as if time has stopped. The scenery of the harbor changes its expression with the seasons, with cherry blossoms in full bloom in spring, lush greenery in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and silence in winter.

The history of Habu Port and the natural harbor created by the volcano

The port has a long history, and its origin lies in a crater lake formed by volcanic activity. The lake was destroyed by the tsunami caused by the great earthquake in the 16th year of Genroku (1703), and by connecting it with the sea, it became a natural harbor born from the blessings of nature. Later, in the Edo period, in the 12th year of Kansei (1800), a reclamation project was carried out by Heiroku Akihiro, a native of Boshu, and the mouth of the bay was artificially expanded, and its use as a full-fledged port began. With a scale of 430 meters from north to south, 280 meters from east to west, and about 17 meters deep in the center, it has protected many sailors from storms and supported safe navigation as a port waiting for the wind. Harbors, created by the power of nature, have supported people's lives and woven history over the years.

A place where cultural people gather, a source of creativity, Habu Port

The most brilliant years were during the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa eras. The rich nature and beautiful scenery attracted many cultural figures, and they wrote works and deepened exchanges with each other while staying at Hafuki Port. Nobel Prize-winning writer Yasunari Kawabata was one of them, and the inn where the traveling entertainer who was the model for the heroine of his masterpiece "The Dancer of Izu" worked is still preserved as a museum, and you can remember the remnants of that time. Inside the museum, valuable materials and photographs are on display, and you can get a glimpse of the days that Yasunari Kawabata spent at Habu Port. It is said that Yasunari Kawabata stayed at an inn that was located on the site of the current Minatoya Ryokan at that time. The quiet and serene atmosphere of Habu Port may have stimulated his creative drive and been the driving force behind the creation of many masterpieces. In the museum, the desks and manuscripts used by Yasunari are on display, and you can feel his breath. Also, by looking at the scenery of the harbor that he would have seen from the same place, you will be able to touch his sensibilities. You will feel as if you have traveled back in time to that era.

The harbor that fascinated literary giants, the scent of culture that still lives today

Tetsukan and Akiko Yosano, Katsuki Omachi, Fumiko Hayashi, Rohan Koda, Kohei Tsuchida, and many other cultural figures visited Habuki Port for recreation, sightseeing, or to write their works. They came into contact with the nature and people of Habu Port, and sublimated their emotions and inspiration into their works. There are many works based on the theme of Habuki Port, and the charm of Habu Port, captured from each perspective, still captures people's hearts.

It is said that Fumiko Hayashi was amazed when she visited Hafuki Port, saying, "This port is as beautiful as a picture." She seems to have enjoyed her stay at Habu Port, sketching out the harbor scenery and interacting with the locals. In addition, Koda Rohan was impressed by the tranquility and natural richness of Hafuki Port, and in many essays he talked about the charm of Habu Port. In this way, Hafuki Port has been a place of peace of mind and a source of creativity for many cultural figures. A journey in their footsteps will be a special experience for literature fans.

Warm people's interaction ・ History and culture rooted in the port

The charm of Hafuki Port is not just the beautiful scenery. History and culture are deeply rooted here, and warm exchanges between people are alive and well. If you walk along the harbor, you will see old inns and shops, and there are many remnants of that time. The locals will warmly welcome visitors and tell them about the history and culture of Hafuki Port. If you listen to their stories, you will be able to experience the depth of Habu Port and deepen your attachment to this place. In particular, the people who operate fishing in the port have a deep understanding of the history and nature of Habuki Port, and by listening to their stories, you will be able to learn more about the charm of Habu Port. The lives of fishermen are closely related to nature, and from their stories we can learn a sense of reverence for nature and the wisdom of life.

Shrine of the goddess who protects the harbor

And what is indispensable when talking about Habuki Port is the existence of the Habuhime Mikoto Jinja Shrine, which sits at the entrance of the port. This shrine enshrines the mother deity of Nomasu Omiya Shrine and Hachikama Shrine in Izumizu, and is affectionately known as the "God of Waves" by the locals. According to the Miyake Chronicle, she is the mother deity of the "Jiro Prince Sukunai Sho" at the Hajikama Shrine and the "Great Empress of Namaki" of the Mishima Daimyo God. Habu Higaku plays an important role in the mythology of the Izu Islands and is revered as the goddess of sea safety and abundant fishing. For the people of the port, Habu Higaku is a place of their hearts and watches over their daily lives.

The history of the shrine, from the lakeside to the port, gathering people's faith

The Habu Higaku Shrine was once enshrined on the shore of the lake as the chief deity of the village of Sashikiji. However, it did not begin to function as a port until the tsunami of the 16th year of Genroku (1703) made the old crater lake connected to the sea. Until then, the shrine had been quietly secluded by people, but with the development of the port, it began to attract people's beliefs. As a guardian of the safety and prosperity of the port, the Habu Higa Life Shrine is deeply rooted in the lives of the people of Habu Port. The history of the shrine is the history of the port itself, and the two are deeply connected.

Sacred approach, a space to purify the mind and body

The approach to the shrine is led by stone steps and surrounded by lush trees. When you step inside, the air changes completely and you are enveloped in a refreshing silence. The chirping of birds will sound pleasant, and you will feel as if your body and mind are cleansed. Some of the trees that grow along the approach are hundreds of years old, which testifies to the long history of the shrine. As you walk along the path with the sunlight shining through the trees, you will feel as if you have wandered into another world.

A sacred place where you can feel the scenery and history of the precincts

The precincts of the Habu Higamei Shrine are not large, but they have a sacred atmosphere. The main shrine is simple but stately, and has a long history. It is said that in the past, it was customary for worshippers to rinse their mouths with seawater from the beach, cleanse their hands, and pile a few pebbles in front of the shrine, but that custom is now obsolete. However, at the back of the shrine, there is still a place where pebbles are piled up, which seems to be a remnant. These pebbles are the wishes of worshippers and have been piled up as a testimony of prayer to God. The pebbles, which are filled with the thoughts of past worshippers, are valuable evidence of the history of the shrine.

The god of valor and water, the protector of the people

There is also a tradition that the god body was a sword, suggesting that Habu Higaku was a goddess who excelled in valor. Habu Higaku is also revered as the god of water and the god of dragons, and is also worshipped by people who pray for the safety of the fishing industry and good fishing. In particular, people who go out to fish visit the Habu Higaku Life Shrine to pray for the safety of the voyage and a great catch. The goddess is deeply believed to bring the blessings of the sea and protect people's lives.

In search of healing and empowering shrines and peace of mind

When you visit the Habu Higa Life Shrine, you will feel at ease and at peace. In the precincts of the shrine, a gentle and gentle qi flows, and a refreshing breeze blows that cleanses the mind and body. As soon as you step out of the torii gate, your mood suddenly clears. The more you walk, the lighter your body and mind will become, and you will feel a refreshing breeze blowing through your body and mind. If you sit in the precincts of the shrine and quietly close your eyes, you can only hear the sounds of nature and feel your mind quietly calming down. You will be able to feel the power of the shrine and heal the fatigue of your daily life.

Mystical experience, a place to worship the god of water, the dragon god

The Habu Higa Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the god of water, the dragon god, and is a special place that gives healing and strength to visitors. When you visit Habu Port, be sure to visit and experience its mysterious atmosphere. The mystical atmosphere of the shrine attracts the hearts of visitors and gives them an unforgettable experience.

A journey that transcends time and space, history, culture, nature, and connections between people

A trip around Habu Port and Habu Higamei Shrine is more than just a sightseeing trip. It will be a journey through time and space, and it will be a special experience where you will feel the connection between history, culture, nature and people. The beautiful scenery of Habu Port, the warm hearts of the people, and the sacred atmosphere of the Habu Higamei Shrine will deeply capture the hearts of visitors and make them unforgettable. You will be able to spend a fulfilling time strolling through the historic streets of Habu Port, interacting with the locals, and quietly praying at the Habu Higaku Life Shrine. Please experience the excitement that can only be experienced in this place.

Izu Oshima's crown jewels and unforgettable memories

When you visit Izu Oshima, be sure to visit Habu Port and Habu Higa Life Shrine and fully enjoy its charms. And I want you to enjoy the special time and space that can only be experienced in this place to your heart's content. Habu Port and Habu Higaku Shrine will surely be deeply engraved in your heart. The sunset at Hafuki Port is exceptionally beautiful, and the sight of the entire harbor dyed in orange is indescribable. The scenery of the harbor, which stands quietly under the sunset sky, is like a painting.

To enjoy Habuki Port more deeply: Recommended ways to spend time

In order to enjoy the Habu Port and the Habu Higaku Life Shrine even deeper, we recommend that you pay attention to the following points.

Tour the historic buildings of Hafuki Port: Experience the atmosphere of yesteryear by visiting the Ryokan Museum associated with Yasunari Kawabata, as well as old inns and shops that retain the appearance of that time. In particular, the old warehouses at the entrance to the port testify to the prosperity of the port at that time. These buildings have a high historical value and provide clues to the lives of the people at that time.

Interact with the locals: Talk to the locals at the port's coffee shops and eateries, and hear about the history and culture of Hafuki Port. Local fishermen, innkeepers, and others will tell you valuable stories. Interacting with the locals is the best part of the trip and makes it a memorable experience.

Receive the red seal of the Habu Higamei Shrine: As a proof of your visit to the shrine, get a red seal and keep it as a memory of your trip. The red seal is a valuable one that contains the history of the shrine and the name of the deity.

Enjoying the nature around Namuki Port: There are many places to enjoy nature around the port, such as beautiful coastlines and hiking trails. In particular, the strata cut surface located a short distance from Habu Port is a valuable place where you can feel the history of the earth. Refresh yourself in nature and heal your body and mind.

Read literary works based on the port of Namuki Port: If you read works of literature based on the port such as Yasunari Kawabata's "The Dancer of Izu" and prepare for it before visiting, you will be able to understand the charm of the port more deeply. If you read "The Dancer of Izu" and then visit Habu Port, you will feel as if you have entered the world of the story.

We hope that these points will make your trip to Habu Port and Habu Higakumei Shrine more fulfilling. Please visit if you have a chance.

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