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Learn about
Oyama Afuri Shrine
We will introduce the charms of Oyama Afuri Shrine from various perspectives, including its history and nature.
Learn about
cultural assets
Many beautiful cultural assets are being passed down along with the wishes of the people.
Oyama Afuri Shrine
Oyamatsumi no Okami, Takaokami no Kami, and Ooikazuchi no Kami are enshrined at Afuri Shrine as the gods of Mt. Oyama, the god of mountains, water, and rain. In ancient times, they were collectively known as Afuri-no-Ookami, and were also recorded in the Engishiki Shinmei-cho. Oyamatsumi no Okami, the god of the mountains, is worshipped as the god of industry and shipping, and is also known as the ancestor of sake brewing. Three other gods are also enshrined: Takaokami no Kami, the god of water, and Ooikazuchi no Kami, the god of thunder.
Yamato Dance・Shrine Maiden Dance
These Kagura dance was introduced from Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara during the Meiji period and is designated as an intangible folk cultural property by Kanagawa Prefecture. In Mt. Oyama, it is mainly performed by children, and Yamatomai dances by boys and shrine maiden dances by girls are still performed today. Yamatomai dances are sometimes written as Yamatomai.
Oyama Noh
It is a traditional performing art that has been continued since the Genroku period of the Edo period, and is designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Isehara City. It is said that in the past, when the religious leaders of Mt. Oyama were at odds, the Tokugawa Shogunate sent a Kanze school Noh performer to Oyama to mediate between them, and by having them learn and cooperate with the Noh, the people of Mt. Oyama made peace with each other. After that, each leader took on a role and passed it on, and it later came to be called Oyama Kanze. It is currently passed down by the Oyama Nohgakusha Preservation Society.
Osamedachi
During the Edo period (1603–1867), the Oyama Pilgrimage became widely popular. In this pilgrimage, it is said that organized groups (kō) carried large wooden swords from Edo (now Tokyo) to Mt. Oyama. Pilgrims then purified themselves beneath waterfalls and dedicated the swords as offerings before climbing the mountain. This custom, known as osamedachi (votive sword offering), is believed to have originated from the legend that the shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo (1147–1199) dedicated his sword to Oyamadera Temple in prayer for lasting military fortune. For pilgrims, votive swords were offered in prayer for good harvests, business prosperity, and success in life. The longest surviving example of an osamedachi sword measures up to six meters in length.
Special Movie
We are now streaming a special video, Osamedachi Revival:Kichinosuke's Peculiar Pilgrimage The Timeless Story of Oyamamairi.
The narration is performed by voice actress Megumi Ogata, known for her roles in numerous anime and film productions.
voice actor: Megumi Ogata
How to Osamedachi
1 Acquiring an Osamedachi
In the Edo period (1603–1867), osamedachi swords were handcrafted by pilgrimage groups called ōyama kōchū. Competition between groups led to the creation of truly massive osamedachi.
Today, visitors can dedicate either handcrafted wooden swords or those they have purchased.
Wooden swords can be purchased along the Koma Sando (the approach leading to the Oyama Cable Car Station) and elsewhere.
Pilgrims can alternatively offer anything sword-shaped. (Real swords are not accepted).
2 Writing your Wish on the Osamedachi
Before offering your osamedachi, mark it with your name (or group name), the date, and your prayer or wish for the future.
3 Offering your Osamedachi
Offerings of osamedachi swords are made at the lower shrine, where they are used in a Shinto prayer ritual.
4 Completing your Offering
When the ritual is complete, the swords can be dedicated to the temple or brought home. (If desired, osamedachi can also be dedicated without the Shinto prayer, in which case they are submitted together with the dedication fee.)
Ukiyo-e Scenes of Mt. Oyama and the Oyama Pilgrimage
Renowned ukiyo-e artists frequently depicted scenes of pilgrims traveling along the roads leading to Mt. Oyama, as well as kabuki actors holding large votive swords while standing beneath waterfalls. These works reflect the prevalence of the Oyama Pilgrimage in the everyday lives and imaginations of people in the past.
360 degree video
Enjoy
Mt. Oyama in 360°
This video was created using CGVR technology, which records video with multiple cameras and can generate 3D CG models. You can enjoy videos of intangible cultural properties from any viewpoint.
Movie 1 Yamato Dance
Movie 2 Shimosha Honden
Movie 3 Osamedachi
The traditions of Mount Oyama have been passed down through the prayers and wishes of many,
preserved and cherished to this day.
Its history will continue to be inherited, reflected upon,
and shaped into new stories for the future.
Mount Oyama, a place where 2,200 years of history are connected.
Come and experience its rich traditions for yourself,
with your own eyes and ears.
Learn more
about Oyama Afuri
Official website
