Iwakiyama Shrine

Iwakiyama Shrine is known as a beautiful shrine in harmony with nature. The shrine, located at the foot of Mt. Iwaki, boasts a history of over 1,200 years against the backdrop of the beautiful landscape also known as Tsugaru-Fuji. The charm of Iwakiyama Shrine lies in its harmony with nature. Located at the foot of Mt. Iwaki, it offers a beautiful view along with the majestic Tsugaru-Fuji. Iwakiyama Shrine is a place that allows visitors to feel the breath of nature. Worshipers can calm their minds in a space surrounded by beautiful nature. In particular, the view from the foot of Mt. Iwaki is breathtaking, and its beauty is sure to touch the hearts of visitors. Iwakiyama Shrine is a beautiful shrine in harmony with nature, and its landscape and historical value attract many travelers. Walking along the quiet approach to feel the beauty of nature and the solemnity of Mt. Iwaki is a special experience for visitors.

One of the charms of Iwakiyama Shrine is its beauty, adorned by a long approach and clear stream. The approach begins at the torii gate overlooking Iwakiyama, surrounded by cedar trees, creating a sacred atmosphere. Walking along the approach will be a calming moment for travelers. Along with the historical and solemn atmosphere, visitors can slowly make their way to the main shrine of Iwakiyama Shrine. The surrounding area of the approach is also home to a clear stream, which will soothe your heart with the sound and beauty of flowing water. Especially, the spring water that flows from the hand-washing basin is known as Iwakiyama's underground water, and you can taste the pure water. Walking along the approach, listening to the sound of the clear stream, and walking in the silence and nature will be a special experience for visitors. This shrine, with its harmony with nature, is one of the worth-visiting places in Hirosaki City!

As important cultural properties of Iwakiyama Shrine, there are the tower gate and guardian dogs. The tower gate was built in the early Edo period in 1628 and was originally used as the tower gate of Hyakusawa Temple, a Shingon sect temple that was the sub-temple of Shimo-Kumiya Palace. Its shape is a five-bay, three-room, hipped roof structure, and only the exterior is open to the public. The guardian dogs are installed in front of the tower gate on the grounds of Iwakiyama Shrine. The guardian dogs are a symbol of the shrine's guardian deity, and a pair of statues are placed on the left and right sides. Generally, the dog on the left has its mouth closed, while the dog on the right has its mouth open. This form of guardian dog is based on the belief that it wards off evil spirits. The guardian dogs at Iwakiyama Shrine also have their own unique form and play an important role in welcoming visitors. The tower gate and guardian dogs of Iwakiyama Shrine are attractive for their historical value and beautiful appearance. The tower gate retains a strong sense of the architectural style of ancient times, exuding a dignified and majestic atmosphere. The guardian dogs, while creating a sacred atmosphere, also guard the entrance to Iwakiyama Shrine. For travelers visiting the shrine, the tower gate and guardian dogs, as important cultural properties, will surely be a valuable presence that allows them to feel the history and tradition of the area.

The main building of Iwakiyama Shrine is the shrine's central building. Located at the foot of the beautiful Iwakiyama mountain, which is also known as Tsugaru Fuji, Iwakiyama Shrine is a shrine with a history of over 1200 years. The shrine's main building, the haiden, has been revered for centuries and is known as a power spot for many travelers. The haiden of Iwakiyama Shrine, which has a charming atmosphere, was built using locally produced hinoki wood, which is the northernmost sacred wood in Honshu. The building has withstood over 390 years of wind and snow, and harmonizes with the solemn atmosphere of Iwakiyama mountain. The haiden, which stands quietly in the mountains, has the characteristic warmth of wood and the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture. The scent of wood drifts through the air, and you can offer prayers in the silence. In addition, the surrounding scenery changes with the seasons, and you can enjoy beautiful views, especially during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. This haiden is the representative building of Iwakiyama Shrine and its charming appearance attracts many travelers. The haiden, which harmonizes the tranquility and grandeur, will give visitors a sense of peace and awe, while feeling the weight of history and faith.

Takko Onsen is a hot spring resort located in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, with over 300 years of history as a therapeutic hot spring. It's a small hot spring village and also serves as a base for Mt. Iwaki tourism. It's located on the mountainside with a good view of the surrounding area, and has a beautiful landscape that was the setting for Yojiro Ishizaka's novel "The Girl Who Cut Grass". There are six inns in the Takko Onsen area, where you can spend a quiet and relaxing time surrounded by beautiful nature. It's an old therapeutic hot spring and still attracts many visitors seeking its therapeutic benefits. Takko Onsen is located on a plateau at an altitude of 450 meters, and you can enjoy a close-up view of Mt. Iwaki. Why not visit Takko Onsen together with Iwaki Shrine and refresh yourself at the foot of Mt. Iwaki while enjoying the beautiful natural environment and hot springs?