Akhasan Shrine Kamiisha [Shizuoka]

【Summary】

Akibayama Hongu Akiba Shrine is located in Haruno-cho, Tenryu-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and is situated halfway up Mount Akiba. Akiba, which is called the most sacred mountain in the Tokai region. It is said to have been founded in 709, and is the main shrine of the nearly 400 Akiba shrines located throughout Japan.

The main deity is the god of fire, Hinokagutsuchi no Okami (Great God of Fire). Hinokaguchi-okami was highly revered by tradesmen who handled fire, such as those in the blacksmithing and pottery industries. He was also sometimes worshipped for his role in suppressing fires. The shrine is divided into an upper shrine and a lower shrine, and both shrines are located in the same area. There are two shrines, the Kamisha (upper shrine) and Shimo-sha (lower shrine). The Kamisha is basically accessible by car, and because it is 866 meters high, it is called the shrine in the sky.

【premises】

There are approximately 450 steps from the Otorii gate where the first parking lot is located.

The approach to the temple is all maintained with stone steps, and the arrangement of night-lights on both sides creates a nice atmosphere.

At the end of the stairway is the Nishi-no-Kadamori no Shinmon (Gate of the Gods of the West).

The west gate of the shrine enshrines magnificent carvings of the four gods: the White Tiger, the Genbu, the Suzaku, and the Seiryu.

The large golden torii gate at the top of the stairs is the “Torii of Happiness,” a gate made of gold symbolizing happiness, which was dedicated to the gods.

The main shrine was destroyed by fire about 80 years ago and rebuilt about 40 years ago. The main shrine also enshrines magnificent carvings of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac.

【scenery】

Passing through the golden torii gate, I turned around and there was a spectacular view. The valiant nature reminiscent of Shugendo and the historical buildings were very beautiful. If you happen to be in the area, I highly recommend a visit. Also in Kagawa Prefecture, there is a wonderful torii gateway in the sky, which is also worth a visit.

Takaya Shrine Main Shrine (Tenku no Torii) [Kagawa] 2023年11月26日

【letter bearing the shogun’s scarlet seal】

Akibayama Hongu Akiba Shrine Kamisha Kirie red seal 1,000 yen (2023)

【Access】

To reach the parking lot of the shrine, one must climb a mountain road for 7 kilometers. This mountain road is narrow, basically a single lane, and in many places it is so narrow that it is impossible to pass oncoming traffic, so it is best to avoid it in bad weather.