倭大国魂神社, Shinto shrine in Japan
Yamato Ookunikudama Shrine sits on a hillside in Mima and is reached by climbing a long staircase of about 100 steps. The shrine holds a wooden statue roughly 30 centimeters tall depicting an ancient deity holding a sword.
The exact founding date is unclear, but the shrine appears in historical records from the Heian period. During the Meiji era, it received official recognition as a village shrine and has remained closely tied to the community since then.
The shrine's name refers to the deity who protects the land of Yamato. The staircases here serve different purposes: visitors climb different numbers of steps depending on the type of prayer or ceremony, such as blessings for children or protection rituals.
The shrine is easily reached by car and sits next to another shrine with clear signage. The long staircase is steep but manageable for most visitors, requiring only moderate fitness.
The shrine's family crest features three stacked bar patterns that resemble the Israeli state emblem. This resemblance has sparked speculation about possible ancient connections between different cultures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
