Mishima Taisha

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Mishima Taisha

A historic shrine associated with Minamoto no Yoritomo, flourishing as the Ichinomiya (chief Shinto shrine) of Izu Province and also bustling as a cherry blossom spot.

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Head Editor : Mishima Taisha

The exact founding date of Mishima Taisha is unclear, but it is believed to have a history of over 1,300 years, as evidenced by records in ancient Nara and Heian period documents. Known as the Ichinomiya of Izu, the shrine is famous for where Minamoto no Yoritomo, exiled to Izu, prayed for the revival of the Genji clan with his wife, Hojo Masako. Within the shrine grounds, visitors can find Yoritomo-related spots such as the "Sitting Stone" and the Sacred Pond, and in the treasure hall, cherished items like the "Umejimaki-e Tebako (National Treasure)" and documents left by Yoritomo (Important Cultural Property).

The complex shrine buildings, including the main hall and worship hall, reconstructed in the late Edo period by master craftsmen from Izu, are made entirely of zelkova wood and designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Moreover, a sweet osmanthus tree, estimated to be over 1,200 years old and designated as a Natural Monument of Japan, fills the air with sweet fragrance in autumn. The shrine's largest festival, the annual festival held from August 15th to 17th, features numerous Shinto rituals, including the offering of divine lamps and shrine maiden dances. Various events are also held in Mishima City, enveloping the entire city in a festive mood.

The shrine's grounds are home to 200 cherry trees of 15 different varieties, starting with the winter cherry blossoms in February, followed by weeping cherries around the Sacred Pond and Somei Yoshino cherries along the path between the total gate and the shrine gate, blooming in succession and enveloping the grounds in a vibrant atmosphere. From March to early April, the cherry blossoms are illuminated at night.

Highlights

  • Boasting over 1,300 years of history as the Ichinomiya of Izu Province.
  • A shrine visited by Minamoto no Yoritomo, with its treasure hall (admission fee required) displaying related artifacts.
  • A renowned cherry blossom site with 200 trees of 15 varieties blooming in succession.
  • Hosts its largest annual festival from August 15th to 17th, featuring numerous Shinto rituals, making the whole city of Izu lively.

Photos

  • The main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

    The main hall, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

  • Enjoy cherry blossoms at various locations within the shrine grounds.

    Enjoy cherry blossoms at various locations within the shrine grounds.

  • Nighttime illumination offers a spectacular view.

    Nighttime illumination offers a spectacular view.

  • The sweet osmanthus tree, a Natural Monument of Japan, believed to be over 1,200 years old.

    The sweet osmanthus tree, a Natural Monument of Japan, believed to be over 1,200 years old.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

English is available.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

No free Wi-Fi available.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Q

Are there restrooms available?

A

There are 2 restrooms nearby the parking lot.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

Yes, it is.

Q

Are there any smoking areas?

A

Yes. (In front of the shrine office)

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
三嶋大社
Postal Code
411-0035
Address
2-1-5 Omiyacho, Mishima City, Shizuoka
Telephone
055-975-0172
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
8:30am - 4:30pm ※Closed at 5:00pm on Weekends and holidays, Treasure house 9:00am - 4:00pm
Admission
Free ※Treasure house Adults 500yen, University and high school students 400yen, Elementary and junior high school students 300yen
Access
(1) About 15 minutes walk from JR Tokaido Main Line’s Mishima Station.
(2) About 7 minutes walk from Izu Hakone Railway’s Mishima-Tamachi Station.
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)