Sai Shrine

In Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, Sai Shrine stands at the ascent gateway to Mt. Miwa, the sacred body-mountain, as an auxiliary shrine of Omiwa Shrine, one of Japan's oldest. Its formal name is Sai-niimasu Omiwa Aramitama Shrine, and it enshrines the "rough spirit" (aramitama) of Omononushi no Okami. Long revered as a deity of healing and bodily health, its sacred spring "Kusuri-ido" is famous as medicinal water said to cure many ailments. Many worshippers seeking health visit this power spot at the foot of Mt. Miwa in search of the pure water.

Highlights

• Sacred water of Kusuri-ido: Miraculous sacred water said to cure many ills. As water welling up from Mt. Miwa, people come even from afar to draw it.
• Ascent gateway of Mt. Miwa: The entrance to the sacred mountain. Ascent is registered here, and worshippers enter after receiving a white sash.
• Hall enshrining the rough spirit: Enshrining the aramitama that symbolizes powerful divine virtue, prayers are offered for health and healing.
• Shizume-ike Pond: The Ichikishima-hime Shrine floating on the precinct pond adds a pure atmosphere.

Best Seasons

Early summer offers refreshing worship against the greenery of Mt. Miwa, and in April the Hana-shizume Festival prays for healing. Autumn brings beautiful foliage, ideal alongside a visit to Omiwa Shrine. Ascent registration for Mt. Miwa varies by weather and season, and in summer it may be shortened or suspended for heatstroke prevention, so confirm in advance if you plan to climb. Many visitors take home the sacred water.

Access & Basic Information

• Location: Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture
• Access: About a 5-minute walk from Omiwa Shrine along the herb-planted Kusuri-michi path; within walking distance of JR Miwa Station
• Ascent registration: Registration for the Mt. Miwa ascent is done here (entry offering of 300 yen; a sash is lent)
• Fee: Free to visit (the Mt. Miwa ascent is separate)

Practical Travel Notes

• Kusuri-michi: The approach linking Omiwa Shrine and Sai Shrine is the Kusuri-michi, planted with medicinal trees and herbs with the cooperation of pharmaceutical companies, a path to walk while wishing for health.
• Ascent hours: The registration and descent-report deadlines change by season, and in summer may be morning-only or suspended. If you plan to climb, confirm with Omiwa and Sai shrines beforehand.
• Sacred water: You may draw it with a ladle. Some bring bottles to take it home. If concerned about drinking it, boil it first.
• Nearby: A short walk to Kuehiko Shrine offers a viewpoint over the three mountains of Yamato.

A Word of Advice

The sacred water is drinkable, but boil it if you are concerned. Climbing Mt. Miwa is a sacred act of ascending the divine mountain, so confirm the etiquette at Sai Shrine if you climb. Touring together with Omiwa Shrine and Kuehiko Shrine lets you circle the sacred area at the foot of Mt. Miwa and fully feel the power of one of Nara's foremost holy grounds.

📚 Sources

This article is based on public information from Sai Shrine and its head shrine Omiwa Shrine, guidance from Sakurai City and the Sakurai Tourism Association, and on-site information boards. Details such as the sacred water and registration for climbing Mount Miwa may change, so please confirm with Omiwa Shrine or the Sakurai Tourism Association before setting out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about an hour for worship, and much longer to climb Mount Miwa.
• What to prepare: Easy-walking shoes, and proper gear if you register to climb the mountain.
• Manners: Respect the rules for the sacred mountain and its registration.
• How to tour: Combine it with the head shrine Omiwa and the surrounding Miwa area.
• Before you go: Confirm worship and climbing details in advance, as they may change.