Mishima Taisha shrine

Mishima Taisha is a shrine long enshrined in Mishima City, Shizuoka, and is said to be the origin of the place name “Mishima.” It is also known for Minamoto no Yoritomo praying here when raising an army, and it has been revered as the Ichinomiya (principal shrine) of Izu Province. The enshrined deities are Oyama-tsumi-no-Mikoto, a guardian deity of mountains, forests, and agriculture, and Tsumihayae-Kotoshironushi-no-Kami, also known as Ebisu-sama. Together they are called Mishima Daimyojin, and many worshippers pray for business prosperity and good fortune. The spacious grounds include many highlights: the main hall built in unpainted zelkova wood (an Important Cultural Property), a fragrant kinmokusei tree estimated at 1,200 years old (a National Natural Monument), as well as a treasure museum, the Shinka-en deer garden, and koi swimming in the sacred pond. Famous events include the “Ouchi Shinji” ritual held on January 7 (an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset of Shizuoka Prefecture) and a procession in August that reenacts Yoritomo’s departure. Access is easy: about a 15-minute walk from JR Mishima Station or about 10 minutes by bus; about a 7-minute walk from Mishima-Tamachi Station (Izuhakone Railway). After visiting, try the famous auspicious mochi “Fukutaro-mochi.”