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Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Oyama Afuri Shrine is an ancient shrine in Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, located near the summit of Mount Oyama (approximately 1,252m above sea level) in the Tanzawa Mountains. It has long been a sacred site for mountain worship and Shugendo, and is particularly closely associated with rain-making beliefs, with "Afuri" said to be derived from the word for rain. Deities enshrined there include Takaokami no Kami (god of water and rain) and Oyamatsumi no Mikoto, and the shrine has attracted believers in areas related to agriculture, weather, and maritime safety.
Its distinctive features include the vermilion-lacquered shrine building that stands out against the mountain scenery, the stone steps on the approach (known as the "Otokozaka" and "Onnazaka"), the teahouses and souvenir shops along the approach, easy access via the Oyama Cable Car, and the view of Sagami Bay, Enoshima, and Mount Fuji from near the main shrine (Okusha).The scenery changes with the seasons, with fresh greenery in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves, and snowy winter scenery.
Highlights
- View from the main shrine (inner shrine): On a clear day, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Mount Fuji, Sagami Bay, and Enoshima.
- Shimosha (Lower Afuri Shrine): A vermilion-lacquered shrine building and worship space. It is located close to the end of the cable car line, making it easy to visit.
- Omotesando Stone Steps (Otokozaka/Onnazaka): The stone steps (Otokozaka), said to have about 1,000 steps, are steep and give a sense of accomplishment. Onnazaka is a gentler detour that is perfect for worshippers.
- Daisen-ji Temple: An ancient temple that preserves the vestiges of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, we also recommend strolling around the grounds.
- Approach gourmet: Enjoy the flavors of the teahouse, including the famous Oyama tofu (boiled tofu), konjac, and dumplings.
- Daisen Cable Car: A sightseeing trip that takes you from the foot of the mountain to the Shimosha Shrine in a short time. The scenery from the train window is also a highlight.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: Isehara Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line. Easy access from Shinjuku by direct express or rapid train.
- Bus: From the north exit of Isehara Station, there are buses bound for Oyama Cable, and from the bus stop you can head to the cable car station or the entrance to the shrine. The journey time varies depending on road conditions, but it generally takes about 25 to 35 minutes.
- Cable car: Runs from the Oyama Cable bus stop at the base to the top of the mountain (Shimosha). Operating times change depending on the season, so please check the timetable in advance.
- By car: Accessible via public roads from the Tomei Expressway, Atsugi IC, etc. There are paid parking lots around Mt. Daisen, but they tend to fill up on holidays and during the autumn foliage season.
- Note: Cable car and route bus times may change during peak seasons and winter schedules. Please check the official website or local government information for the latest information.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Visiting the lower shrine + strolling along the approach to the shrine and having lunch: 1.5 to 2 hours
- Round trip by cable car to Shimosha Shrine + leisurely worship: 2-3 hours
- Round trip hiking to the summit (Okusha Shrine): Half a day to a full day (depending on stamina and route. A typical round trip takes about 3 to 6 hours)
Nearby spots
- Daisenji Temple: An ancient temple adjacent to Afuri Shrine. Ideal for sightseeing and quiet worship.
- Hinata Yakushi: An old Yakushi temple in Isehara City, a popular spot for history buffs (about 20 minutes by car).
- Kobo-san/Gongen-san Hiking Course (towards Hadano): A nearby course where you can enjoy a short hike.
- Shonan, Enoshima, and Kamakura: If the weather is good, you can take a day trip to the Shonan area, which can be seen from Mt. Daisen (about 60-90 minutes by car).
- Day-trip hot springs and bathing facilities: There are facilities scattered around the area where you can relax in a hot spring after hiking or visiting the shrine.
Things to be aware of (crowding, etiquette, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- Busy periods: Golden Week, the autumn foliage season, and the New Year holidays (first shrine visit of the year) are extremely busy. Buses, cable cars, and parking lots will be crowded, so leave early and plan to leave with plenty of time.
- Safety precautions: The stone steps of Omotesando are steep and have steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Please note that the steps can be slippery in rainy weather and winter, and there is a risk of snow and ice, so please be sure to wear appropriate clothing and equipment.
- Weather changes: The temperature at the top of the mountain is lower than at the base and the wind can be strong, so it is a good idea to bring a jacket and warm clothing.
- Worship Manners: Please purify your hands at the water basin, and when praying, it is common to bow twice, clap twice, and bow once. Please refrain from shouting or behaving in a disrespectful manner inside the shrine.
- Garbage and nature conservation: In the mountains, it is a rule to take your garbage with you. Please protect the natural environment and behave in a way that does not cause trouble to the local community.
- Facilities: There are toilets and restaurants around the Shimosha shrine, but they are limited near the summit, so be sure to prepare in advance. Cell phone signals may be unstable in some areas.
- Bringing pets: There may be rules on the approach to the shrine and on the cable car. Please check in advance and be sure to be considerate of others (cleaning up waste, keeping pets on a leash, etc.).
