⛩️ [Oarai, Ibaraki] Oarai Isosaki Shrine | The mystical torii gate floating on the sea! A sacred place for departures and the guardian deity of the sea

⛩️ [Oarai, Ibaraki] Oarai Isosaki Shrine | Mysterious torii gates floating on the sea! A sacred place for departures and the guardian deity of the sea

The "Kamiiso no Torii" standing with the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop is a spectacular view and power spot that symbolizes Oarai.

It is a local guardian deity with a long history, and is also known as a spot where you can pray for departures, good luck, and safe maritime traffic.

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🔱Features and highlights of the spot

• Kamiiso no Torii: Built on a reef on the sea, it is a popular spot for taking photos of the first sunrise, sunset, and moonlit nights with its fantastic appearance .

• Founded in 856 (Heian period). Built on the site where the enshrined deities Okuninushi no Mikoto and Sukunahikona no Mikoto descended .
• The current shrine buildings (main hall, worship hall, Zuishinmon gate, etc.) were rebuilt in 1690 by Tokugawa Mitsukuni and other members of the Mito Domain, and were completed in 1730. .

• It is also worshiped as Yakushi Bosatsu Myojin, and it is said that the sacred water is effective against eye diseases .

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🚉 Useful information for access and worship

• Train & bus: Take the "Kaiyugo" bus from JR Oarai Station and get off after about 15 minutes / walk from the station for about 40 minutes .

• Car: About 5 minutes from Mito Oarai IC. There is free parking at the shrine and paid parking available .

• Visiting hours: 5:30-18:00 from April to August, 6:00-17:00 from September to March .

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🌅Recommended seasons and ways to enjoy
• First sunrise visit (New Year's Day): A priest performs a ritual on the beach, attracting many worshippers .
• Morning, evening, and night views: The morning sun paints the torii gate red, and the mysterious beauty of the night sea and moonlight is exceptional .
• Four seasons of worship: The contrast between the refreshing scenery in spring and summer, the charming approach to the shrine in autumn, and the rough sea in winter is striking.

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👣Travel tips
• Early morning and evening are the best times to take photos and worship. We especially recommend a cloudless day before sunrise.
• Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes (the sea breeze can be strong and cold).
• The surrounding area is full of anime holy sites (GuP) and beach gourmet spots. Hop-hopping is also a good idea .
• Perfect for a date combined with a nearby aquarium or hot spring facility.

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History, nature and mystery come together at Oarai Isosaki Shrine.
Feel the presence of the gods dancing on the sea and enjoy a time of spiritual refinement and purification. 🌊✨

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