隠津島神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kihara-yama in Nihonmatsu is a shrine dedicated to three goddesses that spans an entire mountain. The complex includes an old main hall, a three-tiered red tower built in 1472, ancient trees over a century old, and sacred water spots connected by walking paths throughout the forested grounds.
The shrine has a history spanning about 1250 years, with a major expansion in 1472 during the Muromachi period when the three-tiered red tower was built. The main temple was rebuilt in the 1770s, allowing the site to survive disasters and conflicts while maintaining its spiritual role across centuries.
The shrine honors the three daughters of the sun goddess Amaterasu, believed to bring blessings for love, wisdom, and safety. Visitors can sense how this spiritual tradition has shaped daily life through the ancient trees and quiet paths that still draw people seeking these blessings today.
The shrine is easy to reach with parking for about 50 vehicles and clear signage throughout the grounds. It is best to check opening hours by phone or online before visiting and wear comfortable shoes, since exploring the forested mountain terrain requires walking on various paths.
Two massive intertwined trees, a cedar and a zelkova, serve as a symbol of love and draw visitors to sit and reflect beneath them. An old legend tells how men from nearby villages once helped women navigate steep snowy paths, leading to romantic connections that began this site's association with matchmaking.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
