Ohirasan Jinja (Tochigi City)

Standing partway up Mount Ohira in Tochigi City, Ohirasan Jinja is an old shrine said to hold some two thousand years of history. It enshrines a great many deities, including Omononushi no Okami, known as a god of good matches and of land blessing, along with gods of traffic safety, wealth, child blessings, success in study, and thriving business, making it one of the leading power spots of Tochigi City.

Highlights

- The stone stairway of the main approach, the Hydrangea Slope, where 2,500 hydrangea plants line some 1,000 steps - Renowned for blessings of good matches, with the popular pastime of searching for hidden heart shapes around the grounds - A cluster of halls enshrining a wide variety of deities that answer many kinds of wishes

Enjoying the Seasons

The hydrangea season from mid to late June is truly spectacular. Cherry blossoms in spring and colored leaves in autumn offer scenery unique to a mountaintop shrine throughout the year. From the top of the Hydrangea Slope, a sweeping view of the Kanto Plain opens up.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Hirai, Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture - Reached by car from central Tochigi City, with the Hydrangea Slope climbed on foot - A teahouse near the summit offers local dumplings and a place to rest

A Quick Tip

The Hydrangea Slope is a long set of steps, so do not forget comfortable shoes and something to drink. If you are praying for a good match, searching for the hidden hearts around the grounds as you worship makes the visit even more memorable.