Taiheizan-Miyoshi-jinja, Shinto shrine in Japan
Taiheizan-Miyoshi-jinja is a shrine on the side of Mount Taihei in Akita, consisting of two main areas: a lower complex at the base and the Okumiya Shrine at the summit. The buildings are constructed of wood with traditional Japanese roofs, stone lanterns mark well-maintained paths, and the site is dedicated to the god Miyoshi Reijin along with other deities including Ōkuninushi and Sukunabikona.
The shrine was traditionally founded in 673 when the monk En no Ozunu built the first sanctuary at this location. Later, General Sakanoue no Tamuramaro had a new shrine building constructed on the mountain and prayed for victory in battles, placing the site within Japan's wider tradition of mountain worship.
The shrine honors Mount Taihei, which is itself venerated as divine and represents a long tradition of mountain worship in Japan. The community keeps this connection alive through regular festivals and gatherings where traditional dances and folk songs are performed.
The shrine is easily reached by bus from Akita Station, with the Miyoshi-jinja Iriguchi stop just a two-minute walk away. Visitors can access the lower complex via flat paths or undertake a moderately easy hike to the summit shrine, with views of natural features like trees and small waterfalls along the way.
The mountain itself is worshipped as a god, and small hidden shrines dot the slopes where visitors can discover stone statues and offerings tucked among the trees. These numerous minor sanctuaries and personal offerings create a sense of a place that has been in use and revered for over a thousand years by many generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
