Sakurayama Shrine

Sakurayama Shrine (also written as Sakurayama Jinja / 櫻山神社) is a shrine that regards Mt. Iwate—the largest mountain in Iwate Prefecture—as its ancestral mountain. Adjacent to Morioka Castle Ruins Park, it has been deeply worshiped as the chief guardian shrine of the Nanbu Domain since its establishment in 1749. The biggest highlight is behind the shrine: climb the stairs and you will find the massive "Eboshiiwa" (Eboshii Rock), over 6 meters tall. It is said to be a large rock formed during the construction of Morioka Castle. As a symbol of good fortune, it has long been widely revered; during times of disasters or epidemics, rituals for peace have been performed in front of the rock, and it continues to be worshiped as Morioka’s "protective stone." It is also considered a power spot for financial luck, so don’t miss it. At the temizuya (purification fountain) there is a turtle statue named "Chouju Kamenosuke"; rubbing its shell with a scrubbing brush is said to extend your lifespan—3 years for one rub, 6 years for two, and 10 years for three—so try it as a longevity prayer. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and it’s also recommended to stroll around the neighboring Morioka Castle Ruins Park.