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Omiwa Shrine, Sakurai

4.4
#2 of 35 in Things to do in Sakurai
Religious Site · Tourist Spot
Explore one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the land, Omiwa Shrine--notable for its lack of sacred images or objects, it honors the mountain on which it stands. Wander the peaceful grounds, nestled in the trees, with an ancient Japanese cedar here considered as sacred. The main hall of worship stands purposefully empty, reflecting the sensibility of the Kofun period (250 to 538 CE): since the mountain itself is venerated, the trees are protected and grow densely upon it. Pilgrims can climb the mountain, but need to apply at the adjacent Sai Jinja and must wearing a white sash while doing so, after going through a Shinto ritual. See Omiwa Shrine and all Sakurai has to offer by arranging your trip with our Sakurai day trip planning app.
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Tours to Omiwa Shrine

FROM $151 BOOK WITH VIATOR Village to village walk: Japan's oldest road, Yamanobe ancient trail (Private)
Duration: 8 hours
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Omiwa Shrine reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
332 reviews
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4.3
TripAdvisor
  • By kimitakas
    Omiwa Shrine is the oldest Shinto shrine in Japan. Its wide precinct is filled with a majestic atmosphere. There is a hall of reverence, but there is no tangible body of god. Mt. Miwa, behind this...  more »
  • By kirstine2013
    We were so happy to visit this beautiful shrine in the early evening with lights lining the stairs up to the main shrine. As it was drizzling the monks immediately ran out to provide a canopy for us.....  more »
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