About an hour's drive west from Aizuwakamatsu, the shrine is located in the deep mountains of Nozawa, Nishiaizu Town.
Oyamazumi Shrine.
Locally known as the God of the Mountains of Nozawa, this ancient shrine has long been a place of deep faith.
This shrine has a special legend.
If you visit for three consecutive years, any wish will be granted once in your lifetime──.
The deities are the 'Three Gods of Parent and Child'
The deities of Oyamazumi Shrine are three gods.
- Oyamazumi no Mikoto ── God who governs the mountains
- Iwanaga Hime no Mikoto ── Daughter of Oyamazumi no Mikoto
- Konoha Sakuyahime no Mikoto ── Another daughter
The father, Oyamazumi no Mikoto, and his two daughters. A shrine that enshrines the Three Gods of Parent and Child in one place is rare nationwide.
Konoha Sakuyahime is also known as the goddess of Mount Fuji, while Iwanaga Hime governs longevity. The mountain god, the flourishing of life, and eternal life── each of the three gods brings different protections.
A 4km mountain path from the worship hall to the main shrine
What makes Oyamazumi Shrine different from ordinary shrines is the structure of worship.
At the foot of the mountain is the Worship Hall, where you first pay your respects. However, the Main Shrine, where the gods are enshrined, is located 4km up the mountain path from there.
For those who wish to worship in earnest, you will walk up the mountain path from the Worship Hall to the Main Shrine. The estimated time is about 1.5 hours.
And along the 4km journey, there is a line of cedar giants said to be 450 years old called "Suginamiki".
It is said that these cedars were planted during the early Edo period when Date Masamune ruled Aizu, watching over visitors for 450 years. The time spent walking along the path bathed in dappled sunlight is, in itself, another form of prayer.
"The meaning of 'continuing for three years'"
"If you visit for three consecutive years, any wish will be granted once in a lifetime"──.
This saying has an interpretation.
To visit for three years means to continue "walking to the mountain god's place" every year. Work commitments, family circumstances, health conditions. Amidst the changes in one's life year by year, simply coming here for three consecutive years is a form of "training."
When you finish climbing the mountain after three years, you must have reconsidered what your wish was many times. And the "one wish" you make during your third visit may be different from what you initially thought.
What the gods grant is the wish that you realized during those three years, the one that reflects what you truly should wish for.
Oyamazumi Festival (June 1st to 30th)
Every year, the Oyamazumi Festival is held for one month starting from June 1st.
During this time, the entire shrine is enveloped in a festive atmosphere. The streets of Nozawa bustle with preparations to welcome visitors.
June is the most beautiful season for fresh greenery in Aizu. The cedar-lined mountain path is enveloped in deep green, the air is clear, and it is not too hot even when climbing. Locals say that if you want to start "continuing for three years," the festival period in June is the most suitable time.
Walking after knowing, Oyamazumi Shrine
When we guide visitors to Oyamazumi Shrine, we always start by sharing the story of 'continuing for three years'. Many customers laugh and say, "Oh, then this is my first time today!"
However, as they walk the 4km mountain path towards the main shrine, among the 450-year-old cedar trees, the expressions of customers who were half-laughing gradually become serious. Every year, there are those who say, "I want to come back here next year" when they arrive at the main shrine.
Rather than just having your wishes granted, "a place to properly think about your own wishes". That is what we feel about Oyamazumi Shrine.
If you visit Oyamazumi Shrine
You can also worship only at the Hōhaiden.
For those who are not confident in their physical strength, it is perfectly fine to worship at the Hōhaiden at the foot of the mountain. The shrine officials also say that there is no hierarchy in the way of worship.
If you walk to the main shrine
The time required is about 1.5 hours one way, and 3 hours round trip. Please prepare comfortable shoes, drinks, and rain gear.
Places you might want to visit as well
- Roadside Station Nishi-Aizu ── A roadside station that handles local specialties from Nishi-Aizu. Easy to stop by before or after your visit.
- Keijitsu-ji Ruins (Bandai Town) ── One of the oldest temples in Tohoku, founded by the Bodhisattva Tokui in the early Heian period. A day to trace the history of faith in Aizu.
- Aizuwakamatsu - Tsuruga Castle ── About 1 hour by car from Oyamazumi Shrine.
Would you like to join a journey to encounter stories?
At Tabinoito, guide Catherine, who has lived in Urabandai and Aizu for half a century, shares stories of the land that are not found in guidebooks, providing guidance for one group per day.
For those who want to walk to the main shrine of Oyamazumi Shrine or experience the 450-year-old cedar avenue, we will adjust the pace of the day according to your consultation. You can leave all long-distance driving and arrangements to us.
"I want to enjoy history and nature at the same time" or "I want to walk slowly with my spouse" ── Whatever your request, feel free to ask. Just consulting is also OK, and we will not pressure you with persistent solicitations.
👉 Get a free consultation on LINE:
https://page.line.me/tabinoito
👉 See senior couple travel plans:
https://tabinoito.com/senior/
👉 See filial piety travel plans:
https://tabinoito.com/oyakouko/
Related articles:
Tokuichi Bosatsu and Eijiji ── Why did I leave the capital and come to Aizu?
Reference materials
- Oyamatsumi Shrine (Supreme Aizu)
- Nishi-Aizu Town Tourism Association Local Guidance and Interviews
- On-site coverage (Visit and interviews by Tabinoito guide, Catherine)
Author of this article
Catherine ── A guide who has lived in Fukushima Prefecture, Urabandai, and Aizu for half a century. Founder of the private tour company 'Tabinoito'. With over 30 years of guiding experience, she is deeply knowledgeable about the local nature, history, and cultural beliefs. Offering personalized tours for one group per day, she shares stories of the land that are not found in guidebooks while guiding in Urabandai and Aizu.
