Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine

Tamawakasu Mikoto Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on the Oki Islands and was designated as a prefectural shrine. The main hall, old worship hall, and Zuijinmon gate have been designated as important cultural properties by the Japanese government and were built in the architectural style known as "Oki-zukuri". Oki-zukuri is a special construction method that uses local wood and a tight binding structure, making it highly durable without the use of termite repellent. Tamawakasu Mikoto Shrine is one of the historic shrines on the Oki Islands, and in addition to the beauty of the buildings, the use of local wood in the Oki-zukuri style is one of its main attractions!

The Umaire Shinto ritual at Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine is a traditional event held every June, featuring a majestic festival racing up the shrine's approach. The approach is narrow and steep, making it a powerful sight to see people and horses racing up together. This festival is part of the Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine's Goryoe Festival, and is considered one of the three major festivals in the Shimonishi area of Oki Island. In addition to the Umaire Shinto ritual, various other rituals such as Yabusame are also performed, making it popular among tourists. As such, the Umaire Shinto ritual at Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine is a fascinating event where you can feel the culture and history of Shimonishi in Oki Island, full of powerful traditional events.

The estimated 2000-year-old Yakusugi tree at Tamawakasu Mikoto Shrine is a magnificent cedar tree standing within the shrine grounds and is considered an important presence for the shrine. According to legend, the Yakushi-ni, who became immortal, planted this Yakusugi tree. When you go up the shrine approach and pass through the shrine gate, the Yakusugi tree appears on your right. In addition, the Yakusugi tree was designated as a historic site in Shimane Prefecture in 1929. Therefore, it exudes a particularly strong presence within the shrine grounds. Furthermore, many old trees, including this Yakusugi tree, line the approach to Tamawakasu Mikoto Shrine, creating a rich natural atmosphere!

The Okiya Residence and Treasure Hall adjacent to Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine in Oki Oki Province are buildings constructed by the Okiya family, who have served as the priests of the Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine, the main shrine of Oki Oki Province, for generations. They have been designated as important cultural properties by the government. The Okiya family is said to be descendants of Ōnamuchi-no-mikoto, and they have been a prominent family in Oki Oki Province, serving as the Oki Province Governor, Oki Province Administrator, and priests of the Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine. The Treasure Hall exhibits valuable cultural properties from ancient Oki, such as the Oki Country Station Bell, Tang Chest, and Oki Kikura Seal. The Okiya Residence is a thatched gabled roof building constructed in the late Edo period, and is now designated as an important cultural property of shrine and temple architecture. Adjacent to Tamawakasu-mikoto Shrine, which is one of the tourist attractions in Oki, the Okiya Residence and Treasure Hall offer an attractive opportunity to experience the history and culture of Oki.

Tamawakasu Mikoto Shrine is located in a location surrounded by sea and mountains. The deep blue Sea of Japan stretches around it, and you can enjoy a beautiful seascape from the shrine. In addition, mountains stretch behind the shrine, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful nature of the four seasons. This location surrounded by sea and mountains is extremely beautiful and enhances the atmosphere of the shrine even more. This location surrounded by sea and mountains is one of the attractions of Tamawakasu Mikoto Shrine, located in Oki-gun, Shimane Prefecture, and is a place worth visiting for many tourists. You can visit Tamawakasu Mikoto Shrine, a historic building, and experience Japanese tradition and culture while enjoying the beauty of nature.