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Mount Oyama is located in Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Because it is shrouded in mist throughout the year, it has been revered as a sacred place for praying for rain since ancient times. The Oyama Afuri Shrine (大山阿夫利神社) is built on this spiritual mountain. The shrine comprises two parts: the "Shimosha" (下社) and the "Sōjinjya" (総神社) at the mountain's summit. Visitors can reach the "Shimosha" by taking a cable car, while reaching the "Sōjinjya" requires a hike along a mountain path.
Visiting the Oyama Afuri Shrine is known as "Oyama Sanpai" (大山参拝). This activity was very popular during the Edo period, when it is said that approximately 200,000 people would visit the mountain each year, and scenes from these pilgrimages appeared in ukiyo-e prints. The historical and cultural value of this traditional activity is exceptionally high, and it has now been registered as a Japanese heritage site.
The "Shimosha" is located at an elevation of 696 meters, offering spectacular views that have frequently appeared in numerous travel magazines. The "Sōjinjya" is situated at the mountain's peak at an elevation of 1,252 meters. The hike from the "Shimosha" to the "Sōjinjya" takes about 90 minutes along a mountain trail, so it is essential to prepare for the hike in advance. The cable car's stop at "Daiyūji" (大山寺) is a popular spot for enjoying autumn foliage, and visitors can make a stop here to appreciate the beautiful autumn leaves during the season.
