Ose Shrine

Standing at the tip of Cape Ose in Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Ose Shrine is an ancient shrine also known as Hikitachikara no Mikoto Shrine and listed in the old records of official shrines. Since long ago it has gathered the deep faith of fishermen along Suruga Bay as a guardian of the sea. It is said that whenever a new ship was built, people would always visit and pray for safe passage at sea. Its unique location at the tip of a cape jutting about one kilometer into Suruga Bay, together with a forest of ancient trees over a thousand years old, draws visitors into a world of mystery.

Highlights

• A grove of more than a hundred byakushin trees covering the cape. As a natural habitat of byakushin it is said to be the northernmost in the country, and it was designated a national natural monument in 1932. Some ancient trees are believed to be over a thousand years old.
• The Sacred Pond, which holds fresh water even though it sits right beside the sea. Home to carp, crucian carp, and catfish, it is one of the seven mysteries of Izu. It lies only a dozen or so meters from the sea, yet why it holds fresh water remains unexplained.
• A magnificent view of Mt. Fuji and the sea from the tip of the cape jutting into Suruga Bay.
• A long history of reverence by fishermen as a guardian of the sea. Each spring a festival is held where boats decorated with big catch flags gather.

Enjoying the Seasons

In the fresh greenery season the contrast between the byakushin forest and the blue sea looks beautiful. Summer is lively with diving and swimming, offering the openness unique to a seaside shrine. In autumn the clear air brings sharp views of Mt. Fuji, and the scenery from the cape is exceptional. In winter the air becomes crystal clear, and you can encounter the splendid view of a snow capped Mt. Fuji and the sea.

Practical Travel Notes

• Cape Ose is nationally famous as a mecca for diving, and there are many diving shops in the area. You can combine a shrine visit with ocean activities.
• You walk along a footpath to reach the shrine and Sacred Pond at the tip of the cape. The coastal path can be windy, so a light layer is reassuring.
• The Sacred Pond is a freshwater pond, but collecting creatures or fouling the water is prohibited. Please view it and the natural monument byakushin grove quietly.
• Mt. Fuji is clearly visible from the tip of the cape. On clear days with crisp air, it is an ideal spot to capture Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay in a single frame.
• Buses are infrequent. Check the timetable in advance and plan around the return service as well.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Nishiura Eri, Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• By bus: From the south exit of JR Numazu Station, take a Tokai Bus toward Cape Ose (buses are infrequent so confirm in advance, about 80 minutes). It is a few minutes on foot from the bus stop to the shrine.
• By boat: In summer a scheduled boat may run from Numazu Port to Ose (confirm operation status).
• By car: Follow the coastal road along the western shore of the Izu Peninsula. There is a paid parking lot near the cape entrance.
• The area is also famous as a diving spot. Please confirm opening hours and festival dates.

A Quick Tip

Walk to the tip of the cape for a sweeping view of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay. While feeling the mystical air of the byakushin forest, take a look into the freshwater Sacred Pond. It is one of Izu leading scenic sacred places, where sea, forest, and Mt. Fuji can all be enjoyed at once.

📚 Sources

This article is based on Numazu City and local tourism information and on guidance about the history of Ose Shrine (Hikitajikara no Mikoto Shrine), a shikinaisha. It touches on the juniper forest, a national natural monument, and the sacred pond, one of the Seven Wonders of Izu. Bus service is infrequent, so times and operating status, opening hours, and festival schedules may change; please check official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About an hour to see the shrine and sacred pond at the cape tip
• Access: Tokai Bus toward Ose Cape from JR Numazu Station (infrequent, so check ahead)
• What to bring: A layer, as the coastal path can be windy
• How to get around: Walk the trail to the cape tip for views of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay
• Safety notes: The sacred pond is freshwater; taking creatures or fouling the water is prohibited
• Good to check: Plan including the return bus service