Izuyama Shrine, Atami, and Dragon God Travelogue - A city that lives with the Dragon God

Invitation to the Izuyama Shrine, spiritual journey
Izuyama Shrine is truly a sacred place, nurtured by its long history and rich nature. The approach that leads from the Atami coastline to the summit is like an entrance to another world. With each step you will be able to purify your mind and body and feel new energy escaping. This time, we will explore the various spots at Izuyama Shrine and explore its charm and spiritual power.

1. The main shrine of Izuyama Shrine - Challenge to sacred heights
Visiting the main shrine is essential to experience the essence of Izuyama Shrine. The Hongu Shrine is located on a high ground with a great view, about an hour's walk from Izuyama Shrine. The altitude is not that high, but the journey is by no means easy. The mountain path, once a place for sects, retains the harshness of nature as it is, and can be said to be a place for the trials of the mind and body.
However, when you overcome this hardship, you will find an emotional feeling that is beyond words. The moment you reach the main shrine, you will instantly feel the fatigue you had up until then, and you will feel as if your whole body is enveloped in pure energy. It was as if God was welcoming me warmly, saying, "You've come here well."
Motomiya is also the birthplace of Izuyama Shrine. It is said that Izuyama Shrine was the beginning of the Izuyama Shrine when the glowing mirror that appeared on the beach in Atami was enshrined on Hikaruyama, and the mirror of the sacred object was moved from Hikaruyama to the Hongu Shrine for enshrined. In other words, visiting Izuyama Shrine can only make sense when visiting this main shrine.
The main shrine grounds are filled with special powers that other shrines do not have. Due to the burning of the Edo period, only a small worship hall and a torii gate remain, but it seems that sacred energy is condensed in the quiet space. From the moment you pass through the torii gate, you may feel as if time has stopped, and you may get goosebumps all over your body.
Is it the power of magma? I feel the energy that springs up powerfully from the earth. It is a powerful and supportive power that supports those who are trying to make a difference, just like a warlord who has vowed to God to survive in the world. If you are at a crossroads in your life and have a strong desire to change something or take a step forward, then be sure to visit this main shrine. It's sure to push you with great force.
As you approach the main shrine, the atmosphere of the venue gradually changes. It's a strange feeling like you're stepping out of the human world into another world. The tense air makes your nerves tense and raises your consciousness. It was as if the skin was exposed to clear spirits and vibrated as if light numb.

And as soon as you enter the Honnomiya Shrine site, you will be enveloped in the strongest zero local energy, and you will feel your body and soul be purified at the same time. Magma energy erupts from the ground, and an orange aura rises up like a giant pillar. From the sky, an aura shining in a rainbow colour falls like a dragon god.
In the sight that is almost overwhelmed, stand in front of Hongu Shrine, express your gratitude to God, and take your own new vows. At that moment, two dragon gods may appear to you too. If you say, "I will convey the words of my vows to heaven," you will turn around you three times to the right and ascend to the sky. If you could see the dragon, you will be blessed with good fortune for the rest of your life.
However, the journey to the main shrine is by no means easy. There are some pretty steep paths as you will have to walk along the mountain paths that were once the Shugens' landing grounds. Make sure you prepare well for the hike and try to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. We recommend wearing shoes that are easy to walk in, such as sneakers, and keep both hands in place, such as a backpack.
In addition, for women, we recommend pants that are longer than skirts to prevent them from getting bitten by insects or falling over by branches. There are a lot of mosquitoes in the summer, so don't forget to use insect repellent spray. Unpaved mountain paths can be very slippery due to rain. Make sure to choose the day before, the day when the weather is nice and the day before, and visit the shrine. Please be careful about your feet.
It takes a little spirit, so please be sure to stay in good health and have plenty of time to visit on a good weather day. If you are confident in your physical strength, want to enjoy your energy, or want to visit on a regular route, be sure to check out the shrine on foot.
If you would like to drive up to Motomiya, take the Izu Tokai Bus from Atami Station at the Nanao Danchi bus stop, and from there it is about a 15-minute walk. However, there is no sign for the main shrine guide and it is in a very difficult place to find, so please check the location in advance before going out.
2. The approach to the shrine and the stairs to self-change
The approach to Izuyama Shrine is very long, with Izuyama Shrine starting from the running bath near the coast and up 837 steps is Izuyama Shrine. With each step up this stairs, you will feel your mind and body will be trained and your desire to change yourself will increase.
Just like walking to Honmiya, it takes a bit of energy to climb the stairs to Izuyama Shrine from the runway bath. Usually, many people come by bus or taxi to the torii gate just below Izuyama Shrine. When you reach the bus stop in front of the Ichino Torii gate, you have already climbed 657 steps. From here, you will reach the main shrine by 180 steps.
If you are confident in your legs and hips, be sure to try climbing from the bottom. You should be able to experience an exceptional sense of fulfillment. You will feel the mysterious powers of your actions fill you with confidence that luck will change.
If you are planning to go up from the main shrine to the main shrine, we recommend that you drive to this point (Ichino Torii gate) to conserve your physical strength.
3. The love of Koizumi Kyoko, the torii gate at the back left of the main hall
Behind the left of the main shrine is a torii gate called "Koizumi Kyoko." This torii gate is sure to be seen by anyone who has visited Izuyama Shrine.
Koizumi Kyoko, who once visited Izuyama Shrine, saw the main shrine of the aging Izuyama Shrine and asked the chief priest, "Is it not going to be repaired?", and she replied, "It's not possible to repair it because it costs a budget."

So Koizumi Kyoko donated over 100 million yen to Izuyama Shrine, and with that funds the main shrine of Izuyama Shrine was beautifully restored. As a thank you, the shrine built a torii gate with Koizumi Kyoko's name on it.
The main shrine is now beautifully reborn, and at the top of the main shrine you can see a colorful, beautiful dragon sculpture carved by a living national treasure. This dragon sculpture has captivated visitors and has become a new symbol of Izuyama Shrine.
Koizumi Kyoko's torii gates are deeply rooted in Izuyama Shrine, not just as a proof of gratitude, but also as a symbol of love that warms people's hearts.
4. The Supreme Shrine: The Scottish Shrine (Adachi Gongensha) - The power to carve out fate
It worships Enno Ozuno, the founder of Shugendo.
Yanakaku was a sorcerer from the Asuka period and is said to have been born in 634 and died in 701. He was given the secret practice of Peacock Myo-o in the rock caves, and on Mt. Ikoma he advised the former demon-like couples who had harmed and tormented the people, Zenki and the later demons, and converted them into disciples.
Kokaku, who was told that he was "swaying people's hearts with Jujutsu," was exiled to Izu Oshima. However, even after being exiled, he used flight techniques to escape from the island at night, and flew to Izu Daigongen to train.
It is said to be the god of destiny and is also believed to make your legs and hips stronger.

Over a thousand years after his death, in 1799 (Kansei 11), he was praised for his divine virtue and was given the divine title of "Jinbendai Warsatsu."
It is also said that the "Sururiyu" (also known as the sacred bath or the gods) was discovered by Yakukokaku.
Kokaku is the god of destiny pioneering. If you would like to develop your own destiny, please visit us.
This wooden small-angle statue is a cultural property designated by Atami City.
5. Integrated with the energy of the runway bath and the earth
The running bath at the foot of the sea, on the approach to Izuyama Shrine, was a godsend, and was the object of worship.
Originally, only Shugenists could enter after completing their day's training, but later it was open to the public. It is said that people visited the shrine after purifying themselves at the Kiyosai Temple in the Run-Ushi.
Shuriyu is Japan's only horizontal hot spring. It's rare to see a scene where hot water comes out in a slurping slurping atmosphere. It's like watching the bare pulsation of the earth.

The inside of the cave is filled with heat like a sauna, and the moment you step in, you feel an exhilarating feeling that will instantly remove evil spirits and fatigue, and you may end up in and out because of the comfort of the area.
You can also go to this sacred bath, "Surriyu" by car, so be sure to stop by when visiting Izuyama Shrine.
Izuyama Shrine - The final destination of the spiritual journey
Izuyama Shrine is more than just a tourist attraction. It is a sacred place that heals your soul and gives you new energy. Prayers at the main shrine, dialogue with the self on the approach to the shrine, Koizumi Kyoko's love, the power of Kogaku, and the energy of the earth in the running bath. All of this will take you to a new stage.
A journey to Izuyama Shrine is a spiritual journey to listen to your inner voice and find your true self. Now, why not visit Izuyama Shrine and experience its mysterious power? It will surely be an unforgettable experience that will change your life.