Iwakiyama Shrine

Iwaki-san Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hyakuzawa at the foot of Mt. Iwaki, with its inner shrine (okumiya) situated on the mountain’s summit. The shrine was founded in 780, and in 1091 the main shrine buildings were moved to their current location. Structures such as the worship hall, two-story gate, and main hall—built during the Edo period by successive lords of the Tsugaru Domain using Aomori-grown hiba wood—are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The main hall, also called "Orii no Miya," is finished entirely in black lacquer and features striking gold decorations of ascending and descending dragons on the front, creating a refined yet luxurious impression. Because of the splendid, vividly colored carvings on the main hall and worship hall, the shrine is sometimes nicknamed "Oku no Nikko" ("Nikko of the North"), in comparison to Nikko Toshogu. The enshrined deities are Utsushikunitama-no-Kami, Tatsuhihime-no-Kami, Uganome-no-Kami, Oyama-zumi-no-Kami, and Sakanoue no Karitamaro-no-Mikoto. The shrine is said to bring blessings for matchmaking, financial luck, and good fortune. Near Iwaki-san Shrine is the Hyakuzawa Onsen hot spring area, known for benefits such as relief from neuralgia, rheumatism, and frozen shoulder. Because the water qualities differ by inn, it is also recommended to buy a "Yumeguri" bathing pass and compare several hot springs.