Oyamazumi Jinja (Oyamazumi Shrine)
おおやまづみじんじゃ
The head shrine of the national Yamazumi and Mishima shrines. It is known as the Iyo Province Ichinomiya (the first of the three most important shrines in Iyo Province) and is referred to as the "Nihon So-chinju" (the General Guardian of Japan).
Overview
The enshrined deity (kami) is Oyamazumi no Okami. As a deity of the mountains, the vast ocean, and safe voyages, this site serves as the head shrine of the national Yamazumi and Mishima shrines and holds the prestigious title of "Nihon So-chinju." It is said that Ochi no Mikoto invited the deity to this location before Emperor Jimmu's eastern expedition, and the shrine was moved to its current location in Omishima in 719 CE (Yoro 3). The "Ochi no Mikoto Omite-ue no Kusunoki" (Kusunoki tree planted by Ochi no Mikoto), which is over 2,600 years old and stands directly in front of the main hall (honden), is a breathtaking sight. The Treasure House, which houses weapons and armor dedicated by samurai warriors, displays the largest number of National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties in Japan.
Enshrined deity / legend
Oyamazumi no Okami
Highlights
- ・The sacred tree (goshinboku) "Ochi no Mikoto Omite-ue no Kusunoki" over 2,600 years old
- ・Important Cultural Properties: Main hall (honden) and worship hall (haiden)
- ・Treasure House boasting Japan's largest collection of samurai weapons
- ・The title of "Nihon So-chinju" (General Guardian of Japan)
Details may change. Please check official sources before visiting.