Izusan Shrine, Shinto shrine in Atami, Japan
Izusan Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Izusan, Atami, Japan, resting on a hillside 170 meters (558 feet) above sea level. Visitors climb 837 stone steps to reach the main buildings, which offer a view over Sagami Bay.
Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first Kamakura shogun, and Hojo Masako met near this shrine and formed an alliance that reshaped feudal power in Japan. This location marked the beginning of a new political order in the 12th century.
Local couples often visit to seek blessings for marriage and family happiness, reflecting the shrine's role in community life. The three deities are closely tied to local identity and protection across the broader area.
A bus from JR Atami Station brings visitors to Izusan Jinja-mae stop, where the steps begin. The climb takes about 30 minutes, and the shrine is open between 9:30 AM and 3:00 PM.
The shrine is recognized as the guardian deity of hot springs throughout the Izu region and is believed to hold the power to extinguish fires across Izu and Hakone. This connection to thermal water and fire protection makes it a key spiritual site for surrounding communities.
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