Chokaisan Omonoimi Jinja, a Purifying Sacred Site in Yuza, Yamagata

The shrine that takes Mount Chokai, rising on the border of Yamagata and Akita, as its sacred body is Chokaisan Omonoimi Jinja. According to shrine tradition, its founding is dated to the year 564 in the reign of Emperor Kinmei, and as an old shrine listed in the Heian-period Engishiki register and the first shrine of the old Dewa province, it has long drawn deep reverence. The main shrine sits at the summit of Mount Chokai, while at the foot stand two foothill shrines called the mouth shrines, at Fukura and Warabioka in Yuza. The chief enshrined deity is Omonoimi no Okami, and at the Fukura mouth shrine the deity of Gassan is also enshrined. Because the word omonoimi carries the sense of avoiding impurity and purifying oneself, the shrine is said to hold strong purifying blessings.

Highlights

• The dignified buildings worthy of the first shrine of Dewa province, conveying long history and the weight of faith
• The two foothill mouth shrines at Fukura and Warabioka, each with grounds of a different character
• Blessings of purification, recommended for those who wish to make a fresh start and take a new step
• A refreshing location looking up at Mount Chokai, with the solemn air befitting a sacred site of mountain worship

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: The foothill shrines can be visited year round, and the snowmelt of May to June or the foliage of October feels especially clear. The summit main shrine is limited to the summer climbing season, roughly July to September, and requires hiking gear and fitness
• Time needed: A visit to each of the Fukura and Warabioka mouth shrines takes about 30 minutes to an hour. Allow half a day to tour both by car with room to spare
• Avoiding crowds: Apart from major festival days the foothill shrines are relatively quiet. The seal for both the Fukura and Warabioka shrines may be available at the Fukura shrine office, so a morning or midday stop is recommended
• Nearby real spots: Douhara Taki, where the underground water of Mount Chokai wells up, and the clear blue Maruike sama pond and Ushiwatari river are among the famous water spots of Yuza reachable by car
• Budget sense: Visiting the foothill shrines is free. Check on site or on the official website for offering items such as seals and charms, and for any parking fee

Access and Basic Information

• The Fukura mouth shrine is within walking distance of JR Uetsu Main Line Fukura Station
• The Warabioka mouth shrine is about 10 minutes by car from JR Yuza Station
• By car, the Sakataminato interchange on the Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway is among the nearest. Parking is available
• Visiting the foothill shrines is free. Climbing Mount Chokai is required to reach the main shrine at the summit, mainly in the summer season. Check the hours of the offering desk and seal reception on the official website

A Quick Tip

The two foothill shrines are easy to visit. If you wish for purification, it is good to first take a deep breath, look up at Mount Chokai, and settle your heart before putting your hands together. After touring the foothill shrines, visiting the famous water spots of Yuza together lets you feel the blessings of Mount Chokai even more closely.

📚 Sources

This article is based on the official information of Chokaisan Omonoimi Shrine, the guidance published by Yusa Town and the Shonai regional tourism associations, and the explanatory boards at the Fukura and Warabioka Kuchinomiya. Worship hours at the summit main shrine and the Kuchinomiya, and the shrine office reception, may change, so please confirm the latest details through Chokaisan Omonoimi Shrine or Yusa Town before visiting. Please also check in advance the heritage and events of this first shrine of Dewa Province.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About an hour to worship at the Kuchinomiya foothill shrines, with separate planning for the summit main shrine that requires a climb
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes for walking the precincts and clothing suited to the season
• Timing tips: Visiting both the Fukura and Warabioka Kuchinomiya deepens your understanding
• Highlights: The dignity of this ancient first shrine of Dewa Province, Mount Chokai as the sacred body, and the hall enshrining Omonoimi no Okami
• Note: Keep to the worship etiquette of an ancient shrine and worship quietly after purifying yourself