Omiwa Shrine

Ōmiwa Shrine (大神神社, Ōmiwa-jinja), one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines, is nestled at the foot of Mount Miwa, surrounded by peaceful forests. It sits along the historic Yamanobe-no-michi walking trail, offering visitors a serene experience steeped in history and nature. Unlike most Shinto shrines, which have a dedicated main hall for their deity, Ōmiwa Shrine venerates the mountain itself as the sacred object of worship. The deity associated with the shrine, Okuninushi, is a key figure in Shinto beliefs and is said to have a strong connection to Mount Miwa. This unique form of worship emphasizes the natural world as an embodiment of the divine.

A standout feature of Ōmiwa Shrine is its rare triple torii gate, known as mitsu-torii, located behind the prayer hall. This ancient and sacred gate style is seldom found elsewhere, and access to it requires visitors to request guidance at the shrine office, where they will be guided by a priest. A short 20-minute walk north along the Yamanobe-no-michi trail leads to Hibara Shrine, another sacred site that also features a triple torii. This area, rich in spiritual energy, offers a profound connection to Japan’s earliest Shinto traditions and provides visitors with a unique, immersive experience in Japan’s ancient religious practices.