History/Culture

Mishima Taisha

Izu Ichinomiya Mishima Taisha
An Ichinomiya (very important shrine) of Izu. It known as the place that Minamoto No Yoritomo went to pray when he raising an army, leading him to victory. The deities of the shrine are Oyamatsumi No Mikoto and Tsumi Hayae Kotoshironushi No Kami.
Collectively, they are known as the Mishima Taisha Myojin. In the shrine grounds you can find important buildings and historical sites, such as an osmanthus tree (1200 years old, and a protected species) and a palace made out of bare zelkova wood which is an important cultural property.

The Secret of Fukutaro Mochi.
“Fukutaro” appear in the Otauchi (a rice planting ceremony). They are used in Shinto rituals and since there is “fuku” (Japanese word for “blessings”) in their name, people often fondly refer to them as “the blessing-sowing Fukutaro seeds”.
The mochi (pounded rice cake) bring “Fuku” (or “blessings”) to many people.

Seasonal Recommendations
In spring you can enjoy the Yoshino cherry trees and the Mishima cherry blossoms. Weeping cherry trees also bloom around the Kameiike (sacred pond where a god resides). It is very lively every year during summer on August 15, 16, and 17 during the annual festival. In fall, pale yellow flowers bloom on the 1200-year-old osmanthus tree. 60,000 people worship at the shrine for their first shrine visit of the year during the New Year period.