Oiwa Shrine History, Travel Information, Facts And More
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PERSONAL INFORMATION
NAME
Oiwa Shrine
COUNTRY
Japan
ADDRESS
752, Hitachi, Ibaraki 311-0402, Japan
OIWA SHRINE PICTURE
More Information
About Oiwa Shrine
Oiwa Shrine is a shrine located in Oiwa mountain. Oiwa mountain is called sacred and is dedicated to over 188 gods. The shrine is made by the followers of Shinto religion that believes in the existence of several gods. According to a book from about 1300 years ago, the mountain is known for providing both physical and mental power to the visitors. You can reach the shrine after trekking on the hill. Walking sticks on rent are also available at the office of the shrine. The place is full of natural beauty where you can enjoy tracking in woods while hearing chirping of birds and beautiful view of nature.
How To Reach Oiwa Shrine
You have to trek for the location so be ready for a walk. You can take local transport to arrive at the nearby place from where you can start your journey.
Bus Stands
Oiwanjinjamae, Irishikenshuku, Midorigaoka, and Kiraranosatomae are some of the nearby bus stands to the location. After reaching there, you are so close to the shrine.
Train station
You can also go there by train. Leave your train at any of the nearby train stations including Ogitsu Station, Hitachi Station, Yagawara Station, and Hitachi-Taga Station. Take any of the local transport options to reach the nearby base to start your journey.
Some Lesser Known Facts About Oiwa Shrine
- It is like a pilgrimage having several gods, first you can see is a 500 years old tree named the giant sanbon-sugi. It has three distinctive trunks. Furthermore, it is said, that there was a tengu (long nosed goblin) who used to live in the tree.
- After crossing sanbon-sugi, you can see a roumon which is a two-storied gate, with statues of Kongou-rikishi on both sides. According to the belief, the statues of fierce guardian Deva Kings are protecting the shrine.
- As it is a holy place, then you must take care not to smoke here and are advised to wear proper clothing. It is also requested not to disturb wildlife or pick any plants or stones.
- You can take blessings from Nyorai Buddha and Amida Nyorai statue. There is also a gosho-gurumo wheel while walking to the shrine. It is believed that if a person turns the wheel up, his/her dream for the current life comes true while if the wheel is turned downwards, the wheel is turned downwards, and the dream for the next life comes true.
- Your journey completes at the top where there are 26 deities which makes the mountain sacred and visitors believe that all their wishes come true on their visit to Oiwa Shrine.
- The visitors are advised not to start climbing after 3:00 pm and also to postpone their journey during heavy snow or rain for safety purpose.
- Some people believe the shrine to be haunted, but Japanese do not believe that. In fact, it is quite busy place and visitors come here to pray for happiness and success. If you are a first time visitors, you must know proper way to pray according to Shinto culture. First ring the bell, then bow two times, clap two times and finally bow one more time. It is also a custom to throw a 5 yen coin in the offering box, but some people also write their wish on a piece of paper and put it there.
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