⛩️ Izu Mountain Shrine

The history of Izu Mountain Shrine dates back to the 5th to 4th century BC. This ancient shrine is dedicated to the Izu Mountain Deity, who is said to be the origin of the name "Izu Province." The shrine's grounds extend from the main hall at an elevation of 170 meters down to the mountainside and coastline, covering an area of approximately 40,000 tsubo. Descending the stone steps from the main hall along the approach, visitors will pass by the ruins of the lower shrine, and continue down towards Izu Beach, where they can find "Hayatuyu," one of Japan's three great ancient springs, and Hayatuyu Shrine. Izu Mountain Shrine, which has been revered since ancient times, is affectionately nicknamed "Hayatuyu Gongen" and was still honored as the God of Hot Springs during the Meiji era. The shrine's history includes a legend of the Izu Mountain Deity transforming into two dragons, red and white, that burrowed underground, causing the hot springs of Atami to spring forth. This is why the temizuya (water purification basin) features decorations of "Red and White Dragons." Minamoto no Yoritomo, who was exiled to Izu during the Heiji Rebellion, prayed here for the revival of the Minamoto clan and later became the first shogun to establish the Kamakura Shogunate. Izu Mountain Shrine is also revered as the protector of the Kanto region and has garnered deep faith from many samurai. Even Tokugawa Ieyasu emulated Yoritomo, honoring him as the God of Good Fortune. Moreover, the shrine is the site of the dramatic encounter between Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako, and it continues to attract many young women and couples seeking love and good relationships.

The "Zouyu" that springs forth in Izu is one of the "Three Great Ancient Springs of Japan." The handwashing station features the red and white twin dragons of Atami Onsen. There is also a large stone where Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako met, as well as the Musubi Myojin Shrine, which is known for fostering good relationships.