Oarai Isojinja Shrine

The "Torii Gate of Kamiiso," erected in the sea, has a legend that it is a sacred place where two gods, Ookunitama-no-Mikoto and Sukunahikona-no-Mikoto, descended. The sunrise rising from near the gate is beautiful, and you can feel a mysterious atmosphere as the gate and the sunrise overlap. Many people visit to see the sunrise, and the parking lots around the gate start to get crowded around 4:00 am, with the busiest time being around 6:45 am when the worship ceremony begins, so be careful when visiting!

This is a famous shrine that has become a pilgrimage destination for fans of the anime "Girls und Panzer". Inside the shrine grounds, there is a giant ema (votive horse tablet) featuring the anime, and fans who visit the shrine draw their own ema, which are then hung up in a designated area. Many "ita-ema" (painfully drawn ema) are also dedicated here. As the anime features Oarai Town and Oarai Isosaki Shrine, it also has a local anime aspect, and has become a reason for many tourists to make a pilgrimage here!

This shrine is considered a power spot where two gods, Ookunitama-no-kami and Sukunahikona-no-kami, descended to save people from their troubles. It is said to bring blessings for love fulfillment, household safety, matchmaking, good luck, and warding off evil. After the shrine was restored by Mito Komon, a famous figure in Japanese history, there were no more maritime accidents, leading to the belief that it also offers blessings for safe travels by sea. When you visit, be sure to visit the Torii gate of Kamosu Shrine and Oarai Isosaki Shrine to recharge your energy!

At Oarai Isosaki Shrine, giant ema (votive tablets) depicting the zodiac animals are displayed. In December, a giant ema depicting the zodiac animal for the upcoming year is displayed to welcome visitors. Oarai Isosaki Shrine has also become a must-visit spot for fans of Girls und Panzer, with giant ema and "ita-ema" (ema with anime characters drawn on them) dedicated to the anime. Why not enjoy seeing the giant ema and ita-ema when you visit?

Located on the grounds of Oarai Isosaki Shrine, this small museum is a must-see attraction for those who want to enjoy a complete sightseeing experience. Admission is 300 yen for adults and 200 yen for children, and an old fishing boat is displayed in the courtyard. There are many exhibits related to the sea, including materials related to fishing gear, the seafood industry, and fishing nets, as well as specimens showing the evolution of whales from primitive animals. This museum teaches visitors about how Oarai has lived with the sea both in the past and present, so why not visit Oarai Isosaki Shrine and see it for yourself?