Omiwa Shrine

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Omiwa Shrine

Omiwa Shrine, located at Mt. Miwa, is the oldest shrine in Japan that enshrines Ōmononushi-no-Kami, and its entrance, Ōtorii, is one of the largest in Japan.

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This is the oldest shrine in Japan dedicated to the deity Ōmononushi-no-Okami, with Mount Miwa as its sacred body. There is no main shrine, and the style of worshiping Mt. Miwa through the three torii gates at the back of the worship hall conveys the original form of divine worship. The three torii gates and the hall of worship, which was rebuilt in 1664 by Ietsuna Tokugawa, are designated as National Important Cultural Properties.

The Kandakara Shrine enshrines the gods of the three Kumano mountains and is worshiped as a guardian deity of treasures and goods, the Emperor Shrine enshrines Emperor Sujin, the Jougan Inari Shrine was established in the Kamakura period as the guardian shrine of Jouganji Inari Temple, and is the first place to visit when visiting the Ōmiwa Shrine, and the Haraedo Shrine enshrines the four gods of Haraedo, who purify body and soul, such various deities are enshrined in the vast premises.

On the way to the Sai Shrine, which is dedicated to the god of healing from illness and physical health, there is a "kusuri-michi" (medicine road) where medicinal trees and plants dedicated by people in the pharmaceutical industry have been planted. On the left side of the main building of the Sai shrine, there is a medicinal well that is said to be effective against all illnesses, and many people come to fetch water from the well. It is also close to the entrance to Mt. Miwa, and visitors can apply for permission to enter the mountain at Sai Shrine. There are certain rules and regulations that must be followed when visiting the sacred mountain of Miwa.

The Ōtorii Gate is one of the largest in Japan, with a height of 32.2 meters and 23 meters between pillars with the majestic figure of Mt. Miwa as the backdrop. It is made of weather-resistant rigid board and is said to have a durability of 1,300 years. It creates a typical sight of Sakurai City, where the Ōmiwa Shrine is located.

Highlights

  • The oldest shrine in Japan dedicated to Ōmononushi-no-Okami
  • The hall of worship and the three torii gates behind it are designated as national important cultural properties.
  • Miwasan is the sacred body of the gods, and climbing Mt. Miwa requires permission to enter from the Sai Shrine.
  • Every year in June at the time of “Nagoshi no Harae” “Chinowa-kuguri” is held.
  • The Ōtorii Gate is one of the largest in Japan, with a height of 32.2 meters and 23 meters between pillars.

Photos

  • Hall of worship

    Hall of worship

  • Husband and wife rocks, one of the rock formations

    Husband and wife rocks, one of the rock formations

  • The medicine well beside the shrine hall of the Sai Shrine.

    The medicine well beside the shrine hall of the Sai Shrine.

  • Entrance to Mt. Miwa

    Entrance to Mt. Miwa

  • Ōtorii

    Ōtorii

Reviews

1
  • Ailin1799

    大神神社和其他神社不同,看到沒有樑的繩鳥居,非常特別第一次見。

Details

Name in Japanese
大神神社
Postal Code
633-8538
Address
1422 Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara
Tel
0744-42-6633
Closed
Always open
Hours
Free to walk (The conferment place is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
Admission
Free
Access
About a 5-minute walk from Miwa Station on the JR Sakurai Line (Manyo Mahoroba Line).
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)