【Izusan Shrine】 Atami｜Sacred Site

Izusan Shrine, located in Atami city, the shrine where Minamoto no Yoritomo, who had been exiled to Izu, prayed for the restoration of the Minamoto clan. Later, Yoritomo established the Kamakura shogunate and became its first shogun, which is why the shrine is revered as a "shrine of great fortune." It also has a historical background, as Tokugawa Ieyasu is said to have visited it during the Edo period.

During the New Year's period and on weekends, the shrine is bustling with many visitors. Although the parking lot is conveniently located near the shrine grounds, the approach to the shrine consists of 873 stone steps, making it quite a challenge to climb from the very bottom. However, the view from the middle of the staircase is refreshing, and with cafés and other spots along the way, it is well-suited for a leisurely stroll.

The chouzuba (purification fountain) is decorated with two dragons, Sekibyaku Niryū (Red and White Dragons). The red dragon governs fire, while the white dragon controls water. Together, they are considered the ultimate guardian deities, believed to create hot springs by combining their powers. Izusan Shrine is also known as a shrine of matchmaking, as it was a meeting place for Minamoto no Yoritomo and his wife, Hōjō Masako. Because of this, the red dragon is seen as the mother and the white dragon as the father, symbolizing marital harmony and romantic connections.