Gods are Mori Volcanic Island - Izu Oshima - ③ Mihara Shrine　

The heartbeat of magma, the breath of the gods, the story of the earth woven by Mt. Mihara, Mt. Mihara

Mount Mihara stands tall as a symbol of Izu Oshima. Its name is the very breath of the island. Oshima is in a unique environment that is rarely seen in the world, with the entire island being an active volcano, and Mt. Mihara, located at the center of this, is truly a "living earth" where you can directly feel the energy of the earth. It is known for its active activity of basaltic magma, and has erupted approximately 35 years ago, creating a majestic landscape and has become deeply rooted in the lives and faith of the islanders.

Since ancient times, the pillars of Mt. Mihara and Kaei have been worshiped as "Godashi Firesama" and are revered in awe. Their appearance of smoke and fire gushing out flames was interpreted as both God's wrath and grace, and has remained a special presence as a place of restoration and object of prayer for the islanders. It has remained quiet until the present day since the eruption in 1986, but it is just a brief rest. Underground magma continues to operate, preparing for the next eruption.

Mount Mihara's background and volcanic activity

The grand topography of Mt. Mihara was shaped by repeated volcanic activity over a long period of daunting years. The lava and volcanic ash erupted by the eruption were deposited, and repeated uplifting and erosion led to the creation of the unique landscape of the present day.

The caldera basin formed by volcanic activity spreads near the summit. The caldera is a huge depression created by the sinking of the summit due to a massive eruption in the past, and its diameter ranges to about 3.5km. A vast plain is spread out within the Caldera Basin, surrounded by a ridge at an altitude of about 700m, forming an outer rim. Its shape is like a huge stadium, giving you a sense of the dynamism of the Earth.

In the center of the plains is the central crater cone, an inner rim, and at its peak is the crater. At an altitude of approximately 758m, the central crater cone is a great observation deck overlooking the entire caldera basin, and is a place where you can feel the energy of the Earth up close. White smoke always rises from the crater, quietly telling the existence of magma, which continues to operate underground.

Miharayama trekking in another world

If you visit Oshima, you cannot miss the trekking of Mt. Mihara. The summit can be accessed by regular bus or car, and there is a convenient trekking course, about 45 minutes from the summit exit. Additionally, the "Obot Tour Course" which circumnavigates the crater is a popular course with a 360-degree view of Mt. Mihara.

This time, we chose the "Mountain Summit Walk + Pot Tour" course, which is recommended for beginners, and decided to experience the charms of Mt. Mihara. You can access the summit entrance by car and head to the summit from there.

Once you step inside, you'll find yourself in a completely different world. You can feel warm and warm from the ground. As expected from an active volcano, you can feel the heartbeat of the earth on your skin. As it started early in the morning, there were few people there. In the silence, all we can hear is the chirping of birds and the sound of the wind.

As soon as I started walking, I came across a mass of lava that had flown during the eruption. The black rock surface is cold and inorganic, yet it shows that it was once a scorching magma. It is said that the lava on Oshima flowed at a slower speed than people walked. The lava flowed at a slow speed, like a living thing, probably covered the earth, changing the terrain. I stared at the mass of lava and imagined the ancient Earth.

The promenade is carefully paved and the slope is gentle. Evacuation shelters are set up here and there, making it in case of an emergency. This course is safe, but you should not let your guard down. It must not be forgotten that this is an active volcano and always lies next to danger.

A spectacular view of the sky, view from the summit

As you increase the altitude, the scenery expands majesticly. There's nothing to obstruct your vision, and the endless blue sea and sky are in the air. The air is also clear, and taking deep breaths gives you the feeling of purifying your whole body. Is this really Tokyo? Time passes quietly and calm, unrelated to the hustle and bustle of the city.

The islands are surrounded by the sea, and in the distance you can also see the majestic view of Mt. Fuji. We visited in November, but there was no wind, so we didn't feel any cold at all on the summit. As I slowly peeked out at the view while basking in the sunlight, my heart seemed to be rinsing.

As soon as we arrived at the summit, we came to see Mihara Shrine. The approach is downhill. After passing through the torii gate and descending the stone steps, you will see a shrine building that is quietly standing there.

The Mystery of Mihara Shrine: The Miracle of God

Mihara Shrine, whose founding date is unknown, is the outsiding shrine of Omiya Shrine, located in Nomashi, in the western part of Oshima. Its history is long and has attracted a strong faith from the local people.

However, its history is not the only reason why Mihara Shrine is so special. It is a miraculous phenomenon in which lava flows in a way that avoids Mihara Shrine.

During past eruptions, lava flows have surged right up to Mihara Shrine. However, as if there were invisible walls around the shrine, the lava flowed away from the shrine and then solidified. The company remained unharmed, as if protected by an invisible shelter.

This miraculous phenomenon has been passed down as one of the seven wonders of Oshima, and is worshiped by local people as a "miracle of God." The way the lava flows and solidifies away from the shrine is truly impressive. It can only be described as a divine work that transcends human intelligence.

There are many legends and anecdotes about the mysterious power of Mihara Shrine. The area around the shrine is full of special energy, and is said to provide comfort and peace to visitors.

Godzilla's incarnation, Godzilla Rock

After visiting Mihara Shrine, head to the crater road (a bowl tour course). The course is approximately 2.5km and is approximately 40 minutes long. This road is not paved, so you need to be careful about your feet.

The pot tour course is a course that involves circling around the crater. There's nothing to block your view, and you can feel the refreshing breeze while looking at the spectacular view. The calm sea surrounding the island is filled with many Izu Islands, and the beautiful scenery is like a painting.

Along the way, there is a unique shape of lava called "Godzilla Rock." As the name suggests, the Godzilla-shaped rock is a popular spot for many tourists. The artworks created by nature show different expressions depending on the angle you look at them.

The roar of the earth and the spectacular view of the crater

The biggest highlight of the pot tour course is the crater. It is 200 meters deep and has a diameter of 300-400 meters. The depth of the Sunshine Building in Ikebukuro is so deep that you can easily enter it, which is overwhelming.

The inside of the crater is exposed with black rock surfaces, and there is no sign of life. However, steam has risen from here and there, indicating that magma continues to operate underground. The way the water heated by the magma spurts out is like a roar of the earth.

*No toxic volcanic gases have been observed at this time. However, depending on the volcanic situation, gas concentrations may increase. Care is required.

At the same time, I am captivated by the majestic scenery, and I remember that Japan is a volcanic archipelago and that the entire Earth is within a large volcanic network. Izu Oshima is one of the most special places.

Plate crossings and Earth's energy

In recent years, it has been revealed that the Pacific Plate, Philippine Sea Plate, Chinese Plate, and North American Plate overlap in the vicinity of Izu Oshima. The islands of Izu are located at the joints between the plates.

The surface of the earth is covered with several giant plates. These plates are constantly moving slowly, bumping into each other and diving into each other. At the plate boundary, earthquakes and volcanic activity occur actively.

Izu Oshima is located in a place where multiple plates are intertwined in a complex way, making volcanic activity extremely active. Mt. Mihara is truly a place where the energy of the Earth is condensed.

The memory of the earth, a message for the future

Mt. Mihara teaches us a lot. The dynamism of the earth, the power of nature, and the smallness of humans. The view of Mt. Mihara moves our hearts and awakens emotions that have been almost forgotten.

Miharayama carries memories of past eruptions and speaks to us with a message for the future. With the teachings of Mt. Mihara in our hearts, we need to coexist with nature and build a sustainable society.

Mt. Mihara, a place connected to the earth

Mt. Mihara on Oshima is more than just a tourist destination. It is a special place where you can feel the energy of the earth and experience the greatness of nature. Visiting Mt. Mihara will be a valuable experience that will help you connect with the Earth and rethink yourself.

Be sure to visit Mt. Mihara on Oshima. It will surely change your outlook on life. The majestic views of Mt. Mihara will be deeply engraved in your heart, and will be an unforgettable memory forever.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.