An inner sanctuary (okumiya) of Horaisan Shrine located in the mountainous regions of Wakayama Prefecture. As an okumiya, it serves as the more remote, sacred counterpart to the main shrine buildings, typically situated at a higher elevation or deeper in the mountains where the kami are believed to originally reside.
- Religion
- shinto
- Coordinates
- 34.2921279, 135.4688297
Visitor tip
Be prepared for a mountain hike to reach this remote inner sanctuary, and bring appropriate footwear and weather protection.
Cultural notes
The concept of okumiya embodies the Shinto understanding of sacred geography, where natural features serve as dwelling places for kami, with inner sanctuaries preserving the original wild and untamed aspect of these deities.
Historical note
Inner sanctuaries like this okumiya represent an ancient Japanese belief that kami inhabit remote natural locations such as mountain peaks, forests, or caves. The okumiya tradition reflects the practice of establishing accessible main shrines while maintaining these original sacred sites as places of deeper spiritual significance.