Visit the hidden shrine "Arato Shrine". Also stop by "Tetta Seseragi Park" - recommended for the autumn foliage season.

• Table of Contents
• Arato Shrine, a hidden shrine
• The main hall is an important cultural property designated by Okayama Prefecture.
• A divine approach to the shrine
• Entrance to the shrine
• Tetta Seseragi Park: Enjoy playing by the river
• Lots of wooden play equipment!
• Recommended for viewing autumn leaves and cherry blossoms

Arato Shrine, a hidden shrine

We head to Arato Shrine, about two hours from Okayama City on public roads. Head north along the Takahashi River on National Route 180, then take the Niimi Kawakami Line in Tetta-cho , Niimi City. The road is wide and easy to ride up to this point, but passing other vehicles becomes difficult on the final mountain road. After a thrilling journey through mountain roads worthy of a remote area, we arrive at Arato Shrine. The shrine's well-maintained, tranquil appearance is so impressive that it's hard to believe it's in a remote area.

The main hall is an important cultural property designated by Okayama Prefecture.

The main hall is a valuable structure that conveys the architectural style of the Muromachi period. Its distinctive feature is its gabled roof made of cypress bark and reeds, and the roof without a veranda is an ancient style that is rare nationwide. The construction method of using stones under the floor instead of a base is also ancient. The deities enshrined are Owatatsumi-no-Mikoto, Amaterasu Omikami, and 16 other deities. Upon investigation, I found out that Owatatsumi-no-Mikoto is a sea god. This made it clear why Arato Shrine is considered to be a shrine that enshrines the god of water.

Next to the main shrine there is a small shrine, a chozuya (purification fountain), and a storehouse, making it a well-equipped shrine. However, be aware that there are no restrooms!

A divine approach to the shrine

I walked along the approach from the mountain gate to the torii gate. The large rows of cedar trees were an impressive sight, and the breeze blowing through the mountains felt very cool (it was a scorching hot day, but it felt very cool). I could also hear the calls of small forest creatures such as crickets and Japanese bush warblers. The approach from the mountain gate to the shrine has a gentle slope. I had imagined a flat approach, so I was surprised to find that it was a slope.

Looking back at the mountain gate, we realize we have come a long way and that even the climb back up will require some energy.

Finally, the large mountain gate came into view. Amaryllis flowers (foxglove) were blooming along the approach to the shrine.

Entrance to the shrine

The approach leads to a torii gate on the mountain path leading to "Arato Shrine," which is the entrance to the approach. "Arato" means the entrance to a mountain village. There was a large, rugged rock lying around near the entrance. After some research, I found out that Mt. Arato was a volcano that erupted over 2 million years ago.

[Arato Shrine]

Address: 917 Tabuchi, Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture

TEL: 0867-94-2227

Arato Shrine | Okayama Tourism WEB

Tetta Seseragi Park: Enjoy playing by the river

Head north on National Route 180, turn left onto Prefectural Route 33 and then onto Prefectural Route 157, and you'll come to Tetta Seseragi Park, which makes the most of nature. It's about a 15-minute drive from Arato Shrine. A river runs through the park, and in the summer many parents and children visit to enjoy playing in the river. Slides that use the river's current make it possible for children to slide down the slide, which is waist-deep. The water is shallow and the current is gentle, so even small children can enjoy themselves safely.

There are shallow areas downstream. The water is clean because the river is constantly flowing, and you'll be tempted to dip your feet in.

Lots of wooden play equipment!

There were also many large wooden play equipment installed, and we could see children having fun playing on the Tarzan rope.

Recommended for viewing autumn leaves and cherry blossoms

There are also spring play equipment set up. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, and in autumn, the trees are beautiful, with autumn leaves. There is also shade under the trees, perfect for laying a sheet and eating your lunch, making this a recommended spot.

There are toilets and shower facilities in one corner of the parking lot. They are close to the car, so it is a convenient environment for families with children. With the autumn leaves coming up, you can enjoy the park all day if you bring a lunch box. Be sure to stop by Arato Shrine as well.

[Tetta Seseragi Park]

Address: 965 Hongo, Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture

TEL: 0867-96-2111

Parking: 10 spaces