Mishima Taisha
Mishima Taisha
SHRINE
As Mishima’s main shrine, the taisha can get very crowded on important events, such as New Year and any important age ceremonies held in Japan.
Home to the god Oyamazumi, the guardian deity of agricultural products, the shrine is very popular among merchants, local industries and fishermen. Izu is a very agricultural area so the shrine is very important for the people of Izu. Feel free to drop by, no matter what your religion/industry and offer up some money in exchange for a wish to the gods.
The shrine holds many of the local events to ensure to check the website (Japanese only) for any events being held on the day you wish to go. If you wish to celebrate the New Year in Japan then I definitely recommend coming here. The crowds are large but you can soak up the atmosphere. There won’t be any bell or cheering during New Year as most people go there to silently pray/buy new charms to protect them in the upcoming year.
OPENING HOURS
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
8:30AM – 4PM
8:30AM – 4PM
8:30AM – 4PM
8:30AM – 4PM
8:30AM – 4PM
8:30AM – 4:30PM
8:30AM – 4:30PM
Note: The temple is closed every Tuesday and Wednesday, barring the three days following New Year or when they fall on a public holiday. It is also closed on Setsubun (the last day of winter), 30th July – 2rd August, 15th August and 24th – 31st December.
PRICES
Entry to the shrine itself is free, however there are numerous protection charms/fortunes that you can purchase at the store.
If you wish to pray to the gods then you should use a 5 yen coin as this as seen as the most lucky coin to pray with. Remember to throw your money into the offering box, bow twice, clap twice, make your wish and then bow once more.
Review
The shrine is a big focal point of the small city of Mishima. It can get very crowded during important occasions (there was a long line waiting to pray at New Year when I went at midnight), however most of the time it is pretty open and allows you to go around it at your own leisure. At the back is the main hall which you pray, with stores along the side allowing you to buy charms/fortunes for the gods to protect you during the coming year. If you’re coming to pray then make sure to pray correctly (although don’t worry if you get the order wrong). Shrines are very respectful places in Japan so usually people won’t be very loud.
At the side of the shrine there is also an enclosure for deer and chickens. It smells a little but if you want you can sit beside the enclosure and watch the animals.
ADDRESS
Mishima Taisha,
2 Chome-1-5 Omiyacho
Mishima,
Shizuoka Prefecture,
411-0035
+81559750172
http://www.mishimataisha.or.jp/ (Japanese only)
RECOMMENDED ROUTE:
Mishima Taisha is within walking distance from Mishima Station. The shrine itself also holds a car park for anyone driving, ￥200 per hour.
Things nearby:
GENBEI RIVER
RAKUJUEN PARK
MISHIMA SKYWALK
