Japanese Insight

Hotaka Shrine Okumiya is a sacred sanctuary where the spirit of the Japan Alps resides. It enshrines Hotakamisuri-no-mikoto, the guardian deity of the peaks and a patron of maritime safety
a fascinating connection, as this "sea god" is worshipped high in the mountains.
The shrine is located on the shores of Myojin Pond, a place of profound purity. Here, the torii gate does not stand on solid ground but floats at the water’s edge, acting as a boundary between the human world and the divine wilderness.

• The deity enshrined here is Hotakamisuri-no-mikoto, believed to be the ancestor of the Azumi clan, a seafaring tribe who brought their worship from the ocean to these high-altitude peaks.

• The highlight of the shrine is Myojin Pond, often referred to as the "Pond of the Gods.

• Every October, the shrine hosts a unique festival where traditional boats with dragon heads are rowed across the pond to offer prayers for safety in the mountains and gratitude for nature's blessings.

• Tip: To fully appreciate the silence, visit during the early morning before the hiking crowds arrive. The sight of the sun hitting the torii through the mountain mist is a moment of pure "Pursuit."