Hitachi gods, Tsukimiishi Shrine, Iina Shrine

- A mysterious land that gives you the breath of eternal history and the life of the earth
- The origins of Mt. Tsukuba and the memories of the earth
- Tsukimizumiishi Shrine - A mysterious sacred place that stands in silence
- The appearance of the ancient shrine, which is said to be the oldest shrine in Mt. Tsukuba
- Benefits you can get from visiting two shrines, Tsukimizuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine
- The bounty of Mt. Tsukuba and the history of Ibaraki
- Message to visitors: Spread your own story beyond the eternal time
- The origins of Mt. Tsukuba and the memories of the earth
A mysterious land that gives you the breath of eternal history and the life of the earth
Tsukimizumiishi Shrine and Iina Shrine are hidden in the rich natural environment of Ibaraki Prefecture. These shrines are not just places of faith, but are truly mysterious power spots where you can feel the eternal history of Mount Tsukuba and the breath of the earth. Visiting these shrines, which have been using giant stones (iwaza) that have existed for tens of millions of years, as sacred objects and have collected prayers from people since ancient times, will be a valuable opportunity to move away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and rethink your own self.
The origins of Mt. Tsukuba and the memories of the earth
When talking about the charms of Tsukimizumiishi Shrine and Iina Shrine, the background to this is the presence of Mt. Tsukuba. Mount Tsukuba is a famous mountain that represents Ibaraki Prefecture and has been worshiped since ancient times as an object of worship. The beautiful mountain scenery changes its expression with each season, and continues to captivate visitors.

Mount Tsukuba is not an active volcano and is a very stable mountain, with no active faults. The mountain body is made up of rocks called "Gradler Rocks" that are formed by the slowly cold and hardened magma deep underground. This gabella rock was formed about 75 million years ago, and Mount Tsukuba can be said to be a fossil of magma that hardened underground without erupting on the ground.
Granite can also be seen around Mount Tsukuba. This was built about 60 million years ago, and at the foot of Mount Tsukuba, large stones that appear to have flowed through debris flows and other streams are lying around the foot of Mt. Tsukuba.
Ibaraki Prefecture has the oldest strata in Japan, and its origin can be traced back to about 500 million years ago. Many valuable fossils have been discovered, including ammonites found on the rocky reefs of Hiraiso Coast, the great white shark discovered on the Goura Coast, the ancient elephant Stegorophodon, which was recently discovered in Hitachi Omiya City, and the Hanamuro River that flows from Tsukuba City to Tsuchiura City, showing that the land of Ibaraki has carved a long history.
It is believed that Nauman elephants also walked around Mount Tsukuba about 20,000 years ago. At that time, Earth was a cold climate known as the Last Glacial Age, and was very different from the current climate.
The Iwaza, enshrined at Tsukimizumiishi Shrine and Iina Shrine, has a history of over 75 million years, even older than these strata. These rock formations can be said to be true beings that carry memories of the Earth.
Tsukimizumiishi Shrine - A mysterious sacred place that stands in silence

Tsukimizumiishi Shrine is quietly located about a 15-minute walk from the torii gate of Mt. Tsukuba Shrine. Although there is a signboard installed in a residential area, its existence is like a hidden gem that only a few people know about.

As you walk through the quiet private houses, the main shrine will quietly appear in a place surrounded by trees. This place is filled with a mysterious atmosphere, as if time has stopped. As the beautiful name Tsukimizumiishi Shrine suggests, nature around here sparkles, and the clear air seems to purify the mind and body.

A small shrine is built next to the main shrine. According to the origin of Tsukimizumiishi Shrine by the shrine owner listed there, this area is said to be a sacred place for the death of Iwanagahime Mikoto.

Iwanagahime Mikoto was the fourth son of Kanzabu Nison, the two gods of Mt. Tsukuba, and is said to have died here due to illness, unable to climb Mt. Tsukuba. It is said that he later became the guardian deity of the common people through the orders of both Mount Tsukuba gods.

The genealogy of the independence of Iwanagahime's parent god is unique to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki (Kojiki and Nihon Shoki). However, the newly built "Iwanagahime's "so-called"" in recent years follows the genealogy and descriptions of the Kojiki and Nihongo. It can be seen that the legend of the son of Mount Tsukuba was supplemented with the name of the gods from the Meiji period onwards.

The main shrine of Tsukimizumiishi Shrine is carefully enshrined by locals. And this sacred object is a rock-soled sardine made from extremely large gagarei rocks. I am deeply impressed by the fact that rocks from 75 million years ago are still worshipped as sacred beings.
There is a legend that red water flows once a month in this Iwaza. This legend is associated with women, and it is said that visiting the shrine will benefit women's diseases and infertility.

It is said that there used to be a waterfront area around the shrine. And then there is the moon, which is the name of Mount Tsukuba, and this megalithic rock formation. It is said that the name Tsukimizumiishi Shrine was given because of the three elements that were all in one place.
Tsukimizumiishi Shrine is a mysterious shrine that gives you a quiet and moving experience. Please come and try to feel the atmosphere for yourself.
The appearance of the ancient shrine, which is said to be the oldest shrine in Mt. Tsukuba

Iina Shrine is located near Tsukimizumiishi Shrine. When I visited early in the morning, I was seen cleaning the grounds of parishioners. A pure air engulfs your surroundings, giving you a feeling of washing your heart.

The deities enshrined at Iina Shrine are Ukimo Chijin (Houseketsu God) and Ichigishima Himemi no Mikoto (Benzaiten).
The Shinta group chapter of the Hitachi Kuni Fudoki (Hitachi Kuni Fudoki) describes the shrine that appears to be Iina Shrine.

"There is Iina no Shrine in the west of that village. This is the sub-shape of Iina no Shrine, which is on Mt. Tsukuba."
Based on this description, Iina Shrine was established back to the 8th century and is said to be the oldest shrine on Mount Tsukuba. It is believed to have been founded as the shrine of the gods of Mt. Tsukuba, which has long been worshipped as a sacred mountain.
It can be seen that the main shrine of Iina Shrine is also very cherished by locals. And, just like Tsukimizumiishi Shrine, the sacred body of Iina Shrine is also in Iwaza. This is called the female stone and is a large gagarei rock that has existed for over 75 million years.

Many giant stones, including this woman's stone, are scattered throughout the grounds of Iina Shrine. The giant stones, created over endless years by the activities of the earth, quietly listen to them, as if they will speak to their long-lasting history.

Behind Iina Shrine there is a stream flowing. This stream is thought to be a tributary of the river for men and women, originating from Miyukigahara, between the two peaks of Mt. Tsukuba.
Benefits you can get from visiting two shrines, Tsukimizuishi Shrine and Iina Shrine
It is said that visiting both Tsukimizumiishi Shrine and Iina Shrine will reward the efforts you have accumulated.
It is believed that each shrine has a different energy. Tsukimizumiishi Shrine is full of feminine energy and is said to have the power to bring out inner beauty and creativity. On the other hand, Iina Shrine is full of masculine energy and is said to have the power to increase your ability to take action and execute.
It is believed that by incorporating these two energies in a balanced way, harmony between the mind and body will be born, leading to self-realization.
Visiting these shrines is more than just a tourist trip. It will be a special experience that will bring you to the memory of the earth and rethink your own self.
The bounty of Mt. Tsukuba and the history of Ibaraki
The bounty of Mt. Tsukuba extends not only to Tsukimizumiishi Shrine and Iina Shrine, but also to the entire Ibaraki Prefecture. The rich nature has supported people's lives and nurtured history and culture.
Ibaraki Prefecture has flourished as a key transportation hub since ancient times, and many cultures have been interacting with each other. During the Kofun period, many ancient tombs were built, and precious relics were excavated from them. Furthermore, during the Middle Ages, the Mito Domain was established, and a unique culture developed.
Even today, Ibaraki Prefecture is thriving with agriculture and industry, and has become an important region supporting Japan's economy.
Tsukimizumiishi Shrine and Iina Shrine are representatives of Ibaraki Prefecture's history and culture, and their value is immeasurable. Visiting these shrines will be a journey to rediscover the charms of Ibaraki Prefecture.
Message to visitors: Spread your own story beyond the eternal time
Tsukimizumiishi Shrine and Iina Shrine are places that continue to heal and encourage people's hearts, even now, even now.
In our daily lives, we sometimes face a variety of difficulties, and we may feel confused or anxious. At times like these, visiting these shrines and offering quiet prayers will bring peace to your heart and give you the courage to take a new step.
These shrines should be a special place for you to weave your own stories. By touching and reexamining yourself with memories of the earth, you may be able to find new discoveries and realizations.
Tsukimizumiishi Shrine and Iina Shrine will warmly welcome you and gently push you. Be sure to visit once and try to experience the mysterious energy for yourself. And weave your own story. Your efforts will certainly be rewarded.
summary
Tsukimizumiishi Shrine and Iina Shrine are mystical power spots nurtured by the rich nature and eternal history of Mt. Tsukuba. Visiting these shrines, which have been using giant stones (iwaza) that have existed for tens of millions of years, as sacred objects and have collected prayers from people since ancient times, will be a valuable opportunity to move away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and rethink your own self. When visiting Mount Tsukuba, be sure to visit these shrines and experience the breath of the earth. A new light will surely shine into your life.