Special Experience: 10 Recommendations in Isehara/Oyama

① Official visit to Oyama Afuri Shrine

In contrast to general worship, which is performed in front of the shrine, formal worship is when one goes inside the shrine and worships under the guidance of a Shinto priest. You can spend a mysterious and special time with Kagura dance.

②Stay at a lodging lodge

Shukubo are also called doshi inns, and unlike regular inns, each lodging lodging house is unique in that it has a magnificent temple dedicated to the gods that are enshrined from Oyama Afuri Shrine. Even today, you can see Oyama-ko groups dressed in white robes climbing the shrine guided by a leader. In addition, many lodgings now allow general guests to participate in the ``Yuchohai,'' a ritual in which a master priest recites the words that are spoken. For a limited time, we also have plans for private reservations for families and small groups.

③ Enjoy a special meal

Ingredients grown by the nature of Isehara still fascinate people. Why not enjoy local game and beef, seasonal vegetables, Daisen tofu, and even seafood from the waters off Sagami Bay?

In addition, for a limited time, you can enjoy a special dinner while admiring the night view at Saryo Sekison, which is adjacent to the Oyama Afuri Shrine Shimosha at the end of the cable car.

④Night view/view from Mt. Oyama

The view from Oyama Afuri Shrine, which received two stars from the Michelin Green Guide Japan, is a view of the cityscape and the ocean beyond the greenery of Mt. Oyama during the day, and at night the city shines like a jewel box. You can see. You can easily approach the spectacular view by using the cable car (special operation at night)

⑤Goma prayer at Oyama Temple

The temple was abandoned due to the separation of Shinto and Buddhism during the Meiji period, but the main hall was rebuilt at its current location in the mid-Meiji period thanks to the efforts of passionate believers. The principal image is Fudo Myoo. The Goma tree, which is a symbol of earthly desires, is burnt in the flickering flames of the Goma along with rice, incense, Chinese medicine, oil, etc. to ward off misfortune and misfortune, purify one's desires, and pray for one's great wishes to come true. It is said that throwing pottery (kawara kenage) towards the bottom of a cliff will not only ward off evil spirits, but also that there is a lucky ring with a diameter of 2.5 meters at the bottom of the cliff, and if you pass through it, it will bring you good luck.

⑥Experience Oyama Noh Kyogen

It is one of the traditional performing arts handed down in Isehara. Its origin is said to be about 300 years ago. There is a permanent Noh theater in the precincts of the Afuri Shrine's Social Affairs Bureau, and the Noh and Kyogen performances are a must-see, performed in a fantastical space with Mt. Daisen in the background and lit by bonfires. Furthermore, in order to pass on this knowledge to future generations, human resource development projects have been actively carried out in recent years. We hold Oyama Noh Kyogen parent-child classes and receive lessons from Kanze-ryu Noh performers about twice a month.

⑦Experience “classy” with Edo period culture

Wearing the white robe will transform you into a stylish Edokko. Let's carry a wooden sword with a wish to the shrine and dedicate it. Initially, it was about 30cm long, but it was believed that the larger it was, the more stylish it was, and some were now over 7m long. As the night progressed, Edo activities were active. For a limited time, an Edo play street will be set up where you can experience some of the games of the Edo era.

⑧Mt. Oyama's famous water

Oyama, which boasts a beautiful pyramid-shaped mountain with an altitude of 1252m, is rich in famous water. There is a ``Shinsen'' (Shinsen) beside the worship hall of the lower shrine of Afuri Shrine, and the water that flows from the dragon's mouth is said to be a spring of longevity and longevity, and you can even drink it. Oyama's famous water has also produced the famous Oyama tofu dishes and sake that has won gold medals at international competitions. Water is a gift, and it is also filled with the thoughts of local people.

⑨ Interaction with local people

You can not only get sightseeing information through the ``Oyama Regional Interpreter Guide'' who is familiar with the stories of the area, but also deepen your interactions with the local people, allowing you to further feel the history and charm. You can also expect to gain further understanding through lectures given by leaders at Daisen Afuri Shrine, Oyama Temple, and shukubo.

⑩Choose local products at Koma-sando

Koma-sando, a street lined with shops on both sides of the cable car platform, is a lively spot on Mt. Oyama. Why not take a look at the local specialties and interact with the shop staff? Events using the approach are also held for a limited time.

Oyama Spinning Top The Oyama Spinning Top is made by craftsmen with great care and tradition, and is a lucky charm that is said to bring good fortune because it spins often.

Oyama tofu was first made using soybeans donated from various places and local fresh water. There is an anecdote that a long time ago, worshipers who visited Mt. Oyama at the height of the hot summer would slurp tofu in the palm of their hands as they walked.

Oyama's Charabuki Natural wildflowers are carefully cooked in soy sauce until they turn a yellow color, using traditional methods unique to each store, and are seasoned to bring out their natural flavor.

Local Sake The sake brewed using underground underground water from Mt. Daisen (hard water with a hardness of 150, which is rare in Japan) has a delicate taste and a dignified aroma.

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