This tour features a walk and spiritual tour to the sacred mountain that has been venerated since the Stone Age.
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Spiritual Tour: 1-Day Trek to Ama-no-Iwakura Shrine and Mt. Ozuchi
- Since prehistoric times, the people of the Japanese archipelago have believed that deities (kami) descend to Earth on the top of large rocks. Such places are known as a yorishiro, meaning a tangible object, such as a tree or rock, that is worshipped as a substitute for a divine spirit.
- Numerous ruins and relics from the Stone Age, and Jomon, Yayoi, and Kofun periods have been discovered in this area.
- These old mountain beliefs evolved into Shugendo (mountain asceticism). This religion later blended with Buddhism, which arrived in Japan in the 6th century CE, creating a syncretism of Shintoism and Buddhism.
- A point of intrigue is that despite its remote location in the mountains of Hiroshima, this site (Ama-no-Iwakura Jingu) is one of only 24 Shinto shrines in Japan to carry the prestigious title of “jingu.”
About the Tour Destination
The existence of Ama-no-Iwakura Jingu, a prestigious ‘Jingu’ Shinto shrine in such a secluded part of Hiroshima, is indeed astounding. ‘Jingu’ shrines typically honor members of Japan’s imperial family, yet Ama-no-Iwakura Jingu stands out with its absence of conventional shrine structures.
Instead, it features an ‘Iwakura,’ a sacred rock believed to be the landing spot of a deity on Earth. The deity associated with this site is Amaterasu Omikami, revered as the ancestor of Japan’s imperial lineage, which likely justifies the shrine’s ‘Jingu’ designation. This site is a prime example of a simple, primal form of a Japanese Shinto shrine, uniquely significant despite its remote location.
Among the approximately 88,000 Shinto shrines across Japan, only 24 hold the distinguished ‘Jingu’ title, with Ama-no-Iwakura Jingu being one of these elite few. This fact underscores the shrine’s extraordinary importance. The surrounding area is a historical treasure trove, with numerous findings indicating ritual activities dating back to the Stone Age, confirming the area’s long history as a sacred site.
- ・8:30 AM
- Meet in front of the "orizuru" clock outside Central Gate on the 2nd floor (2F) of JR Hiroshima Station
- ・8:30 AM - 8:45 AM
- Explanation of tour, departure
- ・10 AM
- Beak at Mitsuya-no-Sato Roadside Station in Akitakata
- ・11 AM - 2 PM
- Start hiking, lunch around noon (bento box lunch), end trekking (total 3 hours)
- ・3 PM - 3:30 PM
- Ama-no-Iwakura Shrine
- ・4 PM
- Break at Mukaihara Rural Exchange Center, Yasuragi, Fill out questionnaire
- ・5 PM
- Return to Hiroshima Station, collection of questionnaires, end of tour
Tour Date and Time
・Date: Sunday, December 10, 2023.
・Time: Meet at 8:30 AM, depart at 8:45 AM, and return at 5 PM.
* The tour will not be canceled due to rain (it will be canceled only in the case of stormy weather).
Meeting Place
In front of the “Orizuru” clock outside the Central Gate on the second floor (2F) of JR Hiroshima Station (8:30 AM)
Tour Guide Profile
Tetsushi Morita, previously leading the President’s Office and Michelin Guide Division at Nihon Michelin Tire Co. Ltd., is an acknowledged expert for the Japan Tourism Agency’s extensive sightseeing promotion initiative. His expertise lies in researching and conveying the appeal of Japanese culture and history to Westerners. He also designs and organizes tours across Japan, catering to the rising interest in adventure tourism.
For Inquiries & Bookings
TOBU TOP TOURS Hiroshima Branch
・Phone: 050-9002-5442
・Address: Meiji Yasuda Seimei Hondori Building 6F, 6-11 Hondori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima 730-0035
- The tour includes a light trek, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes
- A bento box lunch will be provided
- It will be chilly, so be sure to bring and wear warm clothing
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