PowerSpots

Japan Sacred Spots

Sacred SitesKanto / Ibaraki

Oiwa Jinja

茨城県日立市入四間町752View on map

Map

Known as one of Japan's most potent power spots, this ancient shrine carries the legend that NASA astronauts reportedly observed a pillar of light rising from this site as seen from space. An extraordinary 188 deities are enshrined here.

Sacred Site Info

Type
磐座・古代祭祀
Legend
常陸国風土記(721年)に記されるほど古い信仰の地で、縄文時代晩期の祭祀遺跡も発掘されています。御岩山全体が御神域とされ、188柱の神々を祀る。水戸藩主の崇敬を代々受け、藩内随一の聖域とも称されました。
Element
光・土・水

History & Origins

A sacred site where rituals have been conducted since the Jomon period. Mt. Oiwa (530 m), looming behind the city of Hitachi, is the entire sacred body of the shrine. Deep traces of syncretic Buddhist-Shinto worship are woven throughout the mountain.

Highlights

Kabirejingu (the inner shrine), the massive sacred boulders at the summit (iwakura), three towering cedars estimated to be 600 years old, and the moss-draped approach radiate an intense spiritual presence.

Visitor Guide

The hiking course to the summit takes about 3 hours round trip. An early morning visit is strongly recommended. Sturdy footwear is essential for the mountain trails.

Best Season

Spring for fresh greenery and autumn for fall foliage.

Annual Events

  • 4

    春季例大祭

    春に催行される例大祭。境内の新緑の中、古式にのっとった神事が行われます。