[Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture] Is Iwakiyama Shrine the strongest power spot in Aomori? I actually went there to check it out

editorial staff
2023.11.06
Last updated: 2024.04.12

table of contents

1 Iwakiyama Shrine, loved by locals
2 Famous as the god of matchmaking
3 The five gods of Iwakiyama Shrine
4 Highlights of Iwakiyama Shrine
5 summary
- 5.1 Iwakiyama Shrine＜Information＞

Iwakiyama Shrine in Hirosaki City , Aomori Prefecture is a very famous shrine that not many locals know about.

It is a place where you can enjoy cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall, and is loved by locals, but did you know that in recent years it has been visited by many people as a power spot?

This time, we actually visited Iwakiyama Shrine, which is famous as the strongest power spot in Aomori Prefecture, to see if it is a power spot!

Iwakiyama Shrine, loved by locals

Iwakiyama Shrine a shrine located at the foot of the famous Mt. , also known as Tsugaru Fuji .

It is called ``Oyama'' or ``Oiwaki-sama'' by the locals, and is still deeply worshiped by the people of Tsugaru even now, approximately 1,200 years after it was built

As it is the Ichinomiya shrine in Tsugaru, many people always come to worship regardless of the season or event.

There is no end to the number of people who visit this shrine at various milestones in their lives, as they are blessed with good luck in agriculture, fishing, commerce, industry, medicine, transportation, and more.

Famous as the god of matchmaking

In recent years, it has become a popular date spot for couples as it is said to bring good luck in marriage, but couples are actually advised to avoid visiting the shrine.

This is because Iwakiyama Shrine is home to a female deity, so if you visit the shrine as a couple, you might get jealous...

It's been rumored for a long time that couples who visit Iwakiyama Shrine will break up, so it might be best to avoid visiting on a date.

It is a shrine that lends strength to women who are looking for a good match or a reunion, so I would recommend it to women who are looking for a relationship.

The five gods of Iwakiyama Shrine

The following five gods are enshrined at Iwakiyama Shrine.

Exalted soul god
Tatsuhihime God
Uga Nouri God
Oyama Gigami
Maro Katita Sakagami

When you enter Iwakiyama Shrine and pass through the white torii gate, you will see a large sacred tree on the right side, but if you look closely, you will see that one cedar tree has branched into five branches.

It is a sacred tree called Gohonsugi, and it has been said that this name comes from the fact that Iwakiyama Shrine enshrines five gods.

Let me introduce a little bit about the five gods.

Utsushikunitamakami (Otomi Takamikoto)

God of nation building.

It is also said to have blessings for agriculture, commerce, and medicine.

Tatsubihime no Kami

A goddess who also appears in Japanese mythology.

She is the god of water and is said to bring blessings to women, such as safe childbirth, child-rearing, and beauty.

Uganome no Kami

Toyouke Okami is also known as the main deity of the outer shrine of Ise Jingu.

He is famous as a guardian deity of food, clothing, shelter, and industry, but at Iwakiyama Shrine, it is said that he is the deity who mainly supported the development of rice cultivation.

Oyamazumi no Kami

A god that also appears in Japanese mythology.

This is a god who rules over Mt. Daisen and financial luck, and who supported the development of the Tsugaru region at the foot of Mt. Iwaki.

Sakanoue no Karitamaro Mikoto

Sakanoue Tamuramaro's father and the only real human being.

That is why it is named ``life'' instead of ``god.''

Highlights of Iwakiyama Shrine

Iwakiyama Shrine is home to many power spots, including Gohonsugi.

Among them, I would like to introduce three spots that I feel are particularly beneficial, so be sure to check them out when you visit Iwakiyama Shrine!

Three-Headed Dragon Chozuya

The first spot you should pay attention to the Three-Headed Dragon Chozuya .

Water overflows from the mouth of the dragon, but this water is spring water flowing from Mt. Iwaki. Not only can you use it to cleanse your hands, but you can also drink it.

The spring water flows from the majestic Mt. Iwaki, so it seems to have a lot of power. Some people who come to worship put this spring water in plastic tanks and take it home with them. Even in the middle of summer, the coolness of the temple warms your body as you walk along the long approach to the shrine.

However, it is not recommended to drink it raw, so please boil it as much as possible before drinking it.

Guardian dog in front of the tower gate

After purifying yourself at the chozuya, you'll want to finally head to the shrine, but before that, let's check out the power spots on both sides of the Sakura Gate.

On both sides in front of the Sakura Gate, there are two ``upside down guardian dogs'' , one facing upward and the other facing downward.

A guardian dog facing upwards good luck with money , and many offerings were placed there.

On the other hand, downward-facing guardian dogs are said to bring good luck in love

Many people pat its head or take pictures with it, and it is said that if you set a photo of this guardian dog on your phone's wallpaper, you will receive even more blessings.

Hakuun Dairyu Shrine

The last power spot we will introduce Hakuun Dairyu Shrine .

Hakuun Dairyu Shrine is dedicated to the dragon god, and there is also a pond called ``White Snake Pond''

Since ancient times, dragons and snakes have been considered synonymous, and some worshipers even offer eggs,

It is completely different from the main hall of Iwakiyama Shrine, and has a mystical atmosphere that makes you feel as if you have traveled to another world.

summary

Iwakiyama Shrine has been deeply worshiped by the people of Tsugaru since ancient times.

When you actually visit, you will be overwhelmed by the solemn atmosphere and sacred atmosphere.

In addition to the spots introduced this time, Iwakiyama Shrine Inari Shrine the shimenawa rope with the character ``I'' on the pillars of the shrine .

If you have a chance to visit Aomori Prefecture, be sure to visit Iwakiyama Shrine!