History/Culture

Izusan Shrine

The Izu region gets its name from Izusan Shrine. It is known as a matchmaking shrine since it is where Minamoto No Yoritomo and Hojo Masako were brought together. In the Edo period it was known as “Izu Daigongen” and Tokugawa Ieyasu also used to worship here. If you climb up the many stone steps and enter the shrine grounds, you will be able to see a spectacular view of the Atami City as well as the ocean. If you start at the “Honden” Shrine, make your way through the place of worship (“Yohaijo”), Hakusan Shrine and Musubimyoujin Main Shrine, and then onward finally reaching the “Honguusha” Shrine, it will take you about an hour. It is recommended that you worship while climbing the mountain road at a leisurely pace. 800 steps down from the Honden Shrine is Sutou Shrine where the god of hot water is enshrined. A popular annual festival is held every year between April 14 and April 16.