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Shrine · Imabari, Ehime
Ōyamazumi Shrine
Shrine on Omishima Island, on the Shimanami Kaido, dedicated to the deity of mountains and the sea, with a millennia-old camphor tree and a museum of ancient armor and swords.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Ōyamazumi Shrine in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
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Discover
About Ōyamazumi Shrine
Oyamazumi Shrine is on Omishima Island, mid-route on the Shimanami Kaido, and is the main shrine of the Inland Sea islands. It is dedicated to Oyamazumi, the deity of mountains, the sea and war, and was venerated by sailors, the Murakami pirates and samurai, who left armor and swords there as offerings before and after battles.
The precinct is shaded by large camphor trees. The oldest, in the center, is considered a natural monument, and tradition holds it was planted about 2,600 years ago. Other ancient trees, with wide, gnarled trunks, surround the dark wooden main hall, which is an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
The shrine museum houses one of Japan’s largest collections of ancient armor and swords, with several items designated National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. Among them are armors attributed to historical figures and a female armor linked to the legend of Tsuruhime, the priest’s daughter who is said to have fought invaders. A second building exhibits objects from the sea and the island’s history.
In front of the shrine is a street of shops and restaurants, and the island has citrus orchards, quiet beaches and the Tokoro art museum. For those cycling the Shimanami, Omishima is near the halfway point and is a common overnight stop.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to 1.5 hours, including the museum.
Best time
In the morning, before the tour buses arrive. The shrine holds its own festivals throughout the year, such as the ritual rice planting at the start of summer; check the dates.
How to get there
It’s on Omishima Island, about 37 km from Imabari via the Shimanami Kaido. By car or bus, get off at the Omishima interchange; local buses and boats from Imabari arrive at Miyaura Port, a few minutes’ walk away. By bicycle, it’s about 30 km from the Itoyama terminal.
Tip
Plan Omishima as a long stop on the bike crossing and allow time for the museum, which is the richest part of the visit.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ōyamazumi Shrine
Where is the Oyamazumi Shrine located?
On Omishima Island, in the middle of the Shimanami Kaido, in the municipality of Imabari, near Miyaura Port.
Why does Oyamazumi Shrine have so many suits of armor?
Samurai and lords offered armor and swords to the war deity before and after battles. The museum houses one of the largest collections in the country.
How old is the camphor tree at Oyamazumi Shrine?
Tradition says it was planted about 2,600 years ago. It is considered a natural monument.
How do I get to Oyamazumi Shrine without a bicycle?
By bus or car via the Shimanami Kaido, exiting at Omishima, or by boat from Imabari to Miyaura Port, a few minutes’ walk away.
Beyond the guide
