Oyamazumi Shrine — The Head Shrine of the Three Mishima Shrines in Japan's Oldest Forest

On the island of Omishima in the Seto Inland Sea, Ehime Prefecture, Oyamazumi Shrine is the head shrine of the Mishima and Yamazumi shrines throughout Japan, a dignified and ancient site. Its deity, Oyamazumi-no-Okami, is revered as the god of mountains and seas, a guardian of the land and a god of martial fortune, and has drawn the devotion of warriors since ancient times. Standing at the center of the island of Omishima in the Seto Inland Sea, it is also cherished as a destination on the Shimanami Kaido journey.

Highlights

In the precincts stand giant camphor trees protected as the national Natural Monument the Camphor Grove of Oyamazumi Shrine, foremost among them the sacred Camphor Planted by Ochi-no-Mikoto. The camphors are said to be 2,000 to 3,000 years old, and the life force the whole grove gives off is overwhelming. The treasure house holds many suits of armor and swords designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, offered by warriors of the Minamoto and Taira, the Kamakura shogunate, and the warlords of the Sengoku period. Of all the arms and armor designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, roughly 40 percent are held here, a collection unmatched in both quality and quantity.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring (April to May) is a fine time for Shimanami Kaido cycling, and a visit while gazing at the island orange groves and the sea is popular. Summer brings the open feel of a Seto Inland Sea island, when the precincts ringed by sea and greenery feel refreshing. Autumn overlaps the mandarin orange harvest of Omishima, and the whole island enters a season of abundance. In winter the crowds thin, and you can take your time savoring the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient shrine.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Miyaura, Omishima, Imabari City, Ehime
• Access: About 15 minutes by car from the Omishima interchange on the Shimanami Kaido (Nishiseto Expressway). Buses from the Imabari and Onomichi directions are also available.
• Ferry and ports: There are routes toward Omishima from Imabari and other ports. Check operating status in advance.
• Worship: Worship in the precincts is free. The treasure house has approximate hours and admission, so confirm the official information.
• Parking: There is a parking area able to take large vehicles.

Practical Travel Notes

• The treasure house (halls such as the Shiyoden and the National Treasure Hall) gathers fine armor and swords and is well worth seeing. Check hours and closed days in advance to be safe.
• The Shimanami Kaido is known as a mecca for cycling, and a visit while touring the islands by rental bicycle is popular. Bicycles can be hired near the port.
• Omishima is rich in Seto Inland Sea seafood such as sea bream and octopus, so enjoy the island food along with your visit.
• Souvenir shops and eateries line the entrance to the approach, and dropping by before or after your visit is recommended.
• Public transport on the island is infrequent, so if you use the bus, check the timetable in advance.

A Quick Tip

The richness of the treasure house display is among the finest of any shrine in Japan, with masterpieces striking even to those unfamiliar with armor and swords. Touch the life force of the sacred camphor trees and spend unhurried time in the quiet of the island. A plan to drop by mid-way through Shimanami Kaido cycling is also a popular route for an island trip. (TabiTabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

The information here is based mainly on the public guidance published by the shrine office of Oyamazumi Shrine. The information for the sacred camphor tree (the natural-monument camphor grove), the treasure hall (the Shiyoden and National Treasure Hall), the approach arcade, the Shimanami Kaido rental-cycle terminals, and on-site information boards are also useful references. While the grounds are freely open, the treasure hall's hours, admission, and closed days may change, so please confirm the latest details on the official Oyamazumi Shrine information before you visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time needed: About 1 to 1.5 hours to pray at the main hall, see the sacred camphor tree, and tour the treasure hall; allow around half a day if you enjoy the approach arcade and island cuisine.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes for the grounds and approach. The treasure hall is paid, so bring cash for admission, and rent a bike near the port if you enjoy Shimanami Kaido cycling.
• Suggested route: Pray at the main hall while feeling the life force of the sacred camphor tree, tour the National Treasure and Important Cultural Property armor and swords in the treasure hall, and taste Seto Inland Sea seafood such as sea bream and octopus along the approach arcade.