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.