Iwasaki-Ontakesha, Shinto shrine in Japan
Iwasaki-Ontakesha is a small shrine in Nisshin located at the top of Mount Iwasaki Ontakesan, marked by simple wooden buildings and a stone gate at the entrance. The site includes a small cave with a statue of Fudo Myo-O, a protective deity, and is surrounded by trees that create a quiet setting for prayer and reflection.
The shrine was founded in 1860 by two mountain priests named Myoshin and Myokan, inspired by the great deity of Mount Ontake. This establishment reflects the local tradition of building sacred sites on mountains and honoring protective deities.
The shrine takes its name from Mount Ontake, a sacred mountain in Japan known for its spiritual significance. Visitors follow a local ritual by bowing at the entrance, clapping their hands to get the spirits' attention, and bowing again upon leaving to show respect for the deities.
The shrine is easily accessible by foot or bicycle from Nisshin and sits on a quiet mountain with natural surroundings, making it ideal for peaceful visits. The path winds through trees and offers views of the surrounding area, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore at a slow pace.
The shrine contains a special cave called O-tasuke ana Fudo with a statue of the protective deity Fudo Myo-O, believed by visitors to hold special powers. The tradition of crawling through the cave as a form of prayer for health and happiness has been passed down from generation to generation for many years.
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