The shrine is located at the foot of beautiful Mt. Iwaki, also known as Tsugaru “Fuji.”

Iwakisan Shrine has been called “Oiwaki-sama” or “Mt. Iwakisan-jinja has been worshipped as the god of pioneering in Mutsu-Tsugaru, the guardian of agriculture and marine products, and the seat of ancestral spirits, and is the spiritual center of Tsugaru people.

The shrine is said to have been built on top of the mountain in 780, about 1,200 years ago.

Looking up at Mt. Iwaki from the torii gate, the single approach leading to the main shrine is surrounded by cedar trees, creating a quiet and solemn atmosphere. The center of the path is said to be the path of the Gods, so walk on the right side of the path, leaving the center open as much as possible.

In spring, the shrine is famous for its cherry blossoms, and the beauty of the Someiyoshino cherry trees that hang over the red torii gate is exceptional.

After about 300 meters of the approach to the shrine, you will see two sets of Komainu (guardian dogs) at the top of the stairs. The upward-facing guardian dog is believed to bring good luck for money, while the downward-facing one is supposed to bring good luck for love.

The shrine pavilion, rebuilt during the feudal era after being burned down several times, is massive and so splendid that it has earned the name “Oku-no-Nikko” (Nikko in the back).

Iwaki-san” and Iwakiyama Shrine are read as ‘Iwaki-san’ and ‘Iwakiyama-jinja,’ respectively, but why are they read differently? It is said that in 780, when the shrine was built at the top of the mountain, the kanji for “mountain” did not yet have the reading “san.”

Why not take a break from everyday life and visit the shrine while appreciating the beauty of the mountain?

National Important Cultural Properties: Main Shrine, Okumon Gate, Mizugaki, Worship Hall, Naka-mon Gate, Rou-mon Gate

Prefectural Important Treasures: Tsuri Lantern, Japanese Sword Tsunahiro, Bugakumen, shrine office