大地主宮 三輪明新宮

Hidden within the sacred embrace of Mount Miwa itself, lies the Ōmiwa Shrine, also known as Miwa Myōjin. Ōmiwa Shrine’s history is deeply intertwined with the mountain. It’s considered one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. The very ground we stand on has been hallowed by centuries of worship. Unlike any other shrine you may encounter, Ōmiwa Shrine possesses no physical object of worship, no enshrined statue or sacred relic. Here, the mountain itself is the deity. Mount Miwa is the shintai, the physical embodiment of the god Ōmononushi. Can you feel the weight of centuries, the reverence of countless pilgrims, as you gaze upon this sacred mountain? Ōmiwa Shrine’s significance as a model of ancient Shinto practices is amplified by this unique characteristic. Imagine the early worshippers, their prayers directed towards the towering presence of the mountain. This tradition of mountain worship, known as shintai-zan, connects us to the earliest forms of Shinto. Look behind the haiden, the prayer hall. Do you see the towering triple torii gate? This miwa torii is an ancient and rare sight. These gates usually stand open, welcoming worshippers. But here, the gates to the mountain are closed, guarding its sacred secrets. The torii’s three rings symbolize the shrine’s name, Miwa, written with the characters for “three” and “ring”. Ōmiwa Shrine is also a special place for sake brewers, who revere Ōmononushi as their guardian deity. Each year, they offer newly brewed sake to the shrine, a testament to the mountain’s enduring power. They even replace the straw ropes, or shimenawa, on the prayer hall and offering hall with these sacred ropes adorned with fresh sake gourds. This ritual, known as Hana Shizume no Matsuri, strengthens the bond between the brewers and the divine. Ōmiwa Shrine, nestled at the foot of its sacred mountain, continues to inspire awe. It reminds us of the deep connection between nature and spirituality in Japan’s ancient past.