About an hour's drive west from Aizuwakamatsu. The shrine is located in the mountainous village of Nozawa in Nishiaizu Town.
Oyamazumi Shrine.
Locally known as the God of the Mountains of Nozawa, this ancient shrine has garnered deep faith for a long time.
This shrine has a special legend.
If you visit for three consecutive years, any wish will be granted once in your lifetime──.
The deities worshipped are the 'Parent and Daughter Three Gods'
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 Sakuya Hime no Mikoto ── Another daughter
The father, Oyamazumi no Mikoto, and his two daughters. A shrine that enshrines the Parent and Daughter Three Gods in one is rare even nationwide.
Konoha Sakuya Hime is also known as the goddess of Mount Fuji, while Iwanaga Hime governs longevity. The mountain god, the flourishing of life, and eternal life── the three gods each bring different protections.
From the Hōhaiden to the main shrine, a 4km mountain path
What makes Oyamazumi Shrine different from ordinary shrines is the structure of the worship.
At the foot of the mountain is the Hōhaiden, 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 Hōhaiden to the Main Shrine. The estimated time is about one and a half hours.
And along that 4km journey, the "Suginamiki" lined with cedar trees said to be 450 years old continues.
It is said that these cedars were planted during the early Edo period when Date Masamune ruled Aizu, and they have watched over worshippers for 450 years. The time spent walking along the path where sunlight filters through the trees 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"──.
There is an interpretation of this legend.
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 that wish you realized during those three years, which is what you should truly wish for.
Oyamatsuri (June 1st to 30th)
Every year, the Oyamatsuri 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 also bustle with preparations to welcome worshippers.
June is the most beautiful season for fresh greenery in Aizu. The cedar-lined mountain paths are wrapped in deep green, the air is clear, and it’s not too hot even when climbing. It is said locally that if you want to start "continuing for three years," the festival period in June is the most suitable time.
Walking after knowing, Oyamatsuzumi Shrine
When we guide visitors to Oyamatsuzumi Shrine, we always make sure to tell the story of 'continuing for three years' first. 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, surrounded by 450-year-old cedar trees, the expressions of those 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 to have wishes granted, "a place to properly think about my wishes". That is how we feel about Oyamatsumi Shrine.
If you visit Oyamatsumi Shrine
You can 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 staff 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, totaling 3 hours for a round trip. Please prepare comfortable shoes, drinks, and rain gear.
Places you may want to visit as well
- Roadside Station Nishi-Aizu ── A roadside station that handles local specialties from Nishi-Aizu. It is easy to stop by before or after your visit.
- Keijiji 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 a 1-hour drive from Oyamatsumi Shrine.
Would you like to embark on a journey to encounter stories together?
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 limited to one group per day.
For those who want to walk to the main shrine of Oyamatsumi 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 okay, and we will not pressure you with persistent solicitations.
👉 Free consultation via LINE:
https://page.line.me/tabinoito
👉 View travel plans for senior couples:
https://tabinoito.com/senior/
👉 View travel plans for filial piety:
https://tabinoito.com/oyakouko/
Related articles:
Tokuichi Bosatsu & Eijiji ── Why I abandoned the capital and came to Aizu
Reference materials
- Oyamazumi 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 familiar with the local nature, history, and cultural beliefs. Offering guided tours of Urabandai and Aizu, limited to one group per day, while sharing stories of the land not found in guidebooks.
