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The photos I took at Oiwa Shrine were overflowing with light.

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Have you ever heard of Oiwa Shrine in Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture?

There is a legendary story that when an Apollo 14 astronaut looked down at Earth from space, he noticed a single, incredibly bright point of light. Upon investigation, that location turned out to be none other than Oiwa Shrine. This legend has made it famous as one of Japan’s most renowned "power spots."

I recently visited this sacred land, and what I witnessed was a series of mystical sights that left me utterly breathless. Today, I want to share with you the "Memories of the Divine Realm" captured by my camera.

The "Density of Air" That Changes the Moment You Cross the Torii Gate

As soon as I stepped through the gate, I felt as if I had entered another world, completely cut off from the outside.

Oiwa Shrine is a place where Shintoism and Buddhism uniquely intertwine, enshrining a staggering 188 deities. The entire mountain itself is considered a sacred body (Goshintai), and every corner of it radiates a solemn, majestic atmosphere.

Now, I would like to present some mystical images that have been quietly resting in my smartphone. I hope you can feel the energy through them.

I felt a sudden shift in the air as I passed under the torii gate.
We were blessed with beautiful sunny weather.
The Sacred Three-Pronged Cedar (Sanbon-Sugi)

There is a remarkable story about this ancient tree, known as the guardian of the forest. During the Great East Japan Earthquake, while many surrounding trees suffered significant damage, this majestic Three-Pronged Cedar remained completely unscathed—not even a single branch was broken. It stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience and divine protection.

A rainbow appeared. It’s breathtakingly beautiful
Even in these moss-covered corners, stone monuments are scattered about, holding a powerful presence amidst the silence. The atmosphere is so enchanting, you might almost expect to see fairies living there.
Soft sunlight filtering through the trees.
I could feel a divine presence even in the simplest of spaces.
Traces of nameless prayers, polished by the passing of time.
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Stone statues and Buddhist figures are enshrined everywhere. This place still holds strong traces of 'Shinbutsu-shugo'—the ancient tradition of harmoniously enshrining both Shinto deities and Buddhist figures together. In this sacred space, Inari foxes and Buddhist statues stand side by side in silent tranquility.
The Haiden (Worship Hall): This hall stands on the very site where an 'Eko-do' Buddhist temple once stood. It is perhaps the most vivid remnant of 'Shinbutsu-shugo' history, marking the profound transition where a Buddhist sacred space became a Shinto shrine.
A tree shaped like a 'Ryujin' (Dragon God) ascending to the heavens.
The Honden (Main Hall) of Oiwa A tree shaped like a 'Ryujin' (Dragon God) ascending to the heavens.Daigongen: Steeped in a Heavy, Sacred Atmosphere" Deep within the cedar-lined path stands the Honden. This is the heart of the sanctuary, where an incredible 188 deities are enshrined. A profound, weightiness fills the air here, marking it as the center of this holy realm.
I received a warm welcome in the form of a shimmering shower of light.

I also have a video of the sacred river's gentle murmur, which I'm eager to share with you all. I'm currently figuring out the best way to upload it, so I will update this post as soon as it's ready. Please stay tuned!

Someday, to the source of that light: Kabire Jingu Shrine ✨

Beyond the Honden, near the summit of the mountain, rests the Kabire Jingu, the inner sanctuary (Okumiya). This is an ancient sacred site recorded in the Hitachi no Kuni Fudoki (an 8th-century record of local history).

Enshrining three major deities, including Amaterasu Omikami (the Sun Goddess), this place was revered by the Lords of the Mito Clan as the true spiritual heart of the mountain. It is said that the legendary "pillar of light" seen from space actually originated from this very area around Kabire Jingu.

I hope the radiant energy of Oiwa Shrine reaches each and every one of you.



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