Ogamiyama Shrine Okunomiya - Image 1
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Ogamiyama Shrine

4.4
·798 reviews·Daisen, Japan

An ancient shrine reached by a long, moss-covered stone staircase, offering mystical mountain views and serene spiritual ambiance.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow
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Ogamiyama Shrine Okunomiya - Image 1

Ogamiyama Shrine

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful and less crowded

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An ancient shrine reached by a long, moss-covered stone staircase, offering mystical mountain views and serene spiritual ambiance.

4.4
(798 reviews)

"The stone steps, with sunlight filtering through the trees and covered in moss, had a mystical and beautiful atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The stone steps are uneven and can be slippery. Good shoes are essential for a safe and comfortable climb.

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

The 15-minute sign is optimistic; budget 20-30 minutes for the hike to the inner shrine.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Staircase

The Grand Staircase

Path to the Inner Shrine

A long, moss-covered stone staircase winding through a serene forest, leading to the sacred inner shrine.

Okunomiya (Inner Shrine)

Okunomiya (Inner Shrine)

Summit of the ascent

The impressive main building, a rare Gongen-zukuri style, stands as a testament to ancient craftsmanship.

Misty Mountain Atmosphere

Misty Mountain Atmosphere

Surrounding forest

Experience a mystical ambiance, especially when mist rolls in, creating a magical and ethereal setting.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for the Climb

Ogamiyama Shrine involves a significant stone staircase ascent. Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as the path can be uneven and mossy. The journey to the inner shrine takes about 20-30 minutes, so be prepared for a moderate hike.

Timing is Key for Tranquility

While weekdays offer a peaceful experience, visiting during peak seasons or weekends might mean more fellow travelers. Consider visiting early morning or late afternoon for a more serene atmosphere.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful and less crowded
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Gorgeous fall colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ogamiyama Shrine (Tottori)/大神山神社奥宮  鳥取県大山の中腹にある神社⛩️ あまり下調べをせずに行ったのでここまで大迫力な場所だとは思いませんでした😳🤩 #鳥取 #大山 #大神山神社奥宮 #神社 #山陰
@japan_walker_
3.7K likes • 53.8K views

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The stone steps are uneven and can be slippery. Good shoes are essential for a safe and comfortable climb. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

The 15-minute sign is optimistic; budget 20-30 minutes for the hike to the inner shrine. Reddit

Ogamiyama Shrine Okunomiya (Tottori)/ 大神山神社 奥宮 I went there without doing any research, but I was surprised to see a magnificent gate emerge from the mist 🤩⛩️👍 Please Share🥰😊🙏 Please follow 👉@japan_walker_ #japan #japantravel #japantrip #anime #animejapan #japananime #japan🇯🇵 #traveljapan #tripjapan #tottori #tottorigram #tottoriprefecture #daisen #大山 #鳥取 #鳥取県 #米子 #yonago #鳥取旅行 #japantour #shr...
@japan_walker_
2.5K likes • 30.5K views
Ogamiyama Shrine Okunomiya (Tottori)/ 大神山神社 奥宮 I went there without doing any research, but I was surprised to see a magnificent gate emerge from the mist 🤩⛩️👍 Please Share🥰😊🙏 Please follow 👉@japan_walker_ #japan #japantravel #japantrip #anime #animejapan #japananime #japan🇯🇵 #traveljapan #tripjapan #tottori #tottorigram #tottoriprefecture #daisen #大山 #鳥取 #鳥取県 #米子 #yonago #鳥取旅行 #japantour ...
japan_walker_
25.7K likes • 457.3K views

☁️ Embrace the Mist

Mist can add to the mystical atmosphere, so don't be deterred if it's cloudy! TikTok

📜 Get a Goshuin

Receiving a Goshuin (temple/shrine seal) can be a moving experience after the climb. Reddit

📍 鳥取 大神山神社 / Tottri Ogamiyama Shrine Beautiful place in Japan🇯🇵 Please check out / @k.shinji_films #神社 #鳥取 #日本 #日本の風景 #japan #travel #japantrip #japantravel #instajapan #japantrip #visitjapan #shrine
k.shinji_films
1.3K likes • 16.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear

The stone steps are uneven and can be slippery. Good shoes are essential for a safe and comfortable climb. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Allow Ample Time

The 15-minute sign is optimistic; budget 20-30 minutes for the hike to the inner shrine. Reddit

☁️ Embrace the Mist

Mist can add to the mystical atmosphere, so don't be deterred if it's cloudy! TikTok

📜 Get a Goshuin

Receiving a Goshuin (temple/shrine seal) can be a moving experience after the climb. Reddit

⛰️ Gateway to Mt. Daisen

This shrine is a starting point for ascents or a midway point for hikes up Mt. Daisen. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(798 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Ogamiyama Shrine for its mystical atmosphere, impressive architecture, and the rewarding climb up its moss-covered stone staircase. The serene mountain setting and the spiritual ambiance are highlights, though the strenuous hike requires good preparation and footwear.

"It's a short hike from the parking lot to Ogamiyama Shrine 大神山神社. There was a sign near the first torii gate saying it was a 15-minute walk, but I think it would take about 20 to 30 minutes. You need to be prepared. The stone steps, with sunlight filtering through the trees and covered in moss, had a mystical and beautiful atmosphere. Panting, I managed to make it to the inner shrine 奥宮 and eceive a goshuin 御朱印. The climb was so difficult that receiving the goshuin was all the more moving."

Katsuaki Maruno

"Great Shinto shrine in Japan.
This shrine has sacred atmosphere.
Old shrine buildings are impressive!"

monk 119

"Very quiet and peaceful. Beautiful shrine surrounded by forest and nature. Honouring the Mountain God."

Jesse

What People Like

Mystical mountain atmosphere
Impressive shrine architecture
Rewarding stone staircase climb

What People Dislike

Strenuous climb requires fitness
Limited amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ogamiyama Shrine is located in Tottori Prefecture. Access typically involves reaching Yonago City or the Mt. Daisen area. From there, you might need to take a bus or taxi to the trailhead. Many visitors combine a trip to the shrine with Daisenji Temple. Instagram+1

Yes, there is usually parking available near the base of the shrine's access path, especially for those visiting Mt. Daisen or Daisenji Temple. Instagram

Public transport options might be limited, especially for reaching the immediate vicinity of the shrine. Buses often serve the Daisenji Temple area, from which you can walk to Ogamiyama Shrine. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance. Instagram

From the parking area, you'll follow a path that leads to a long stone staircase. This is the primary access to the shrine. Reddit

While possible, it's a significant journey. Many visitors stay in the Tottori or Shimane regions to explore Mt. Daisen and its surroundings, including Ogamiyama Shrine, over a couple of days. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ogamiyama Shrine is a place of worship and generally does not require an entrance fee. Access to the grounds and the hike up to the shrine is typically free. Reddit

As a shrine, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. However, specific facilities or areas might have limited access. It's best to visit during daylight for the full experience. Instagram

Parking fees may apply at designated lots near the trailhead or popular access points for Mt. Daisen. It's recommended to check signage at the parking area. Instagram

Yes, visitors can often receive a Goshuin (shrine seal) at Ogamiyama Shrine, which can be a special memento of your visit after the climb. InstagramReddit

The shrine occasionally holds special viewing events, particularly during autumn. It's advisable to check the official shrine website or local tourism information for any upcoming events. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The hike from the parking lot to the Okunomiya (inner shrine) involves a long stone staircase and typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes, though some signs suggest 15 minutes. Reddit

The main path to the shrine is a long flight of stone steps, often covered in moss, winding through a forest. The terrain is uneven and requires good footwear. Reddit

Weekdays tend to be very quiet and peaceful. Weekends and peak seasons can see more visitors, but it's generally less crowded than more accessible tourist spots. Reddit

It is dedicated to the Mountain God and is known for its impressive architecture, particularly the Okunomiya (inner shrine) which is a rare Gongen-zukuri style building. Instagram+1

Yes, Ogamiyama Shrine is a starting point or a midway point for those looking to ascend Mt. Daisen. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The moss-covered stone staircase leading up to the shrine offers a dramatic and atmospheric shot. The Okunomiya itself, with its unique architecture, is also a prime subject. Instagram+1

Yes, the high altitude and mountain location mean mist and fog are common, especially in the mornings or after rain, creating a very mystical photographic opportunity. TikTokInstagram

Early morning or late afternoon can offer beautiful light filtering through the trees. The mist can also enhance photos at various times. Instagram

Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites and national parks to preserve the atmosphere and for safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the staircase and shrine buildings. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing the mist. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the hike up the stone stairs can be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues, families with older children might find it an adventurous outing. The natural surroundings offer a chance for kids to connect with nature. Ensure children have appropriate footwear and are supervised closely on the steps. Consider bringing snacks and water, as amenities might be limited. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

Ogamiyama Shrine is an excellent destination for hikers. The ascent is a moderate challenge, and the shrine itself serves as a beautiful spiritual stop. For those seeking more, it's a gateway to further hiking trails on Mt. Daisen. The natural beauty and crisp mountain air are a significant draw. InstagramReddit

🧘‍♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace

Solo travelers often find Ogamiyama Shrine to be a perfect spot for quiet contemplation. Weekdays offer a serene and uncrowded environment, allowing for a peaceful immersion in nature and spirituality. The challenging climb can be a rewarding personal achievement. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architecture of Okunomiya

The Okunomiya (Inner Shrine) of Ogamiyama Shrine is a remarkable example of Gongen-zukuri style architecture, a rare and impressive design. This style, characterized by its integrated main hall, oratory, and wing halls, creates a unified and grand structure. The main building itself is noted for its significant length, with some sources stating it measures approximately 50 meters. The sheer scale and the fact that it was constructed in an era without heavy machinery make its existence on this challenging mountain terrain a marvel of ancient engineering and devotion. Instagram

This architectural style is deeply rooted in Japanese religious history, often found in prominent shrines. The construction of such a massive building on a mountainside like Mt. Daisen would have required immense effort and skill. The enduring presence of the Okunomiya continues to awe visitors, prompting questions about how such a feat was accomplished centuries ago. It stands as a testament to the faith and ingenuity of its builders. Instagram

Visitors often express surprise and admiration upon reaching the Okunomiya after the strenuous climb. The building's grandeur, combined with its secluded mountain setting, contributes to a profound sense of awe and reverence. It’s a visual reward for the physical effort, making the journey to Ogamiyama Shrine a truly memorable experience. InstagramReddit

The Mystical Mountain Setting

Ogamiyama Shrine is nestled high on the slopes of Mt. Daisen, Japan's 'second-highest mountain' in the Chugoku region. This elevated location contributes significantly to its unique and often mystical atmosphere. The altitude means visitors are frequently close to the clouds, and strong winds can create a dynamic flow of mist and fog, adding an ethereal quality to the surroundings. Instagram

Many visitors describe the journey up the long stone staircase as being enveloped by nature. Sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating moss-covered steps, creating a scene that feels both ancient and sacred. This natural beauty, combined with the spiritual significance of the shrine, fosters a sense of peace and tranquility. The air is often described as crisp and invigorating, a welcome change from urban environments. InstagramReddit

The shrine's setting is not just visually stunning but also spiritually evocative. It honors the Mountain God, and the natural environment plays a crucial role in this veneration. The feeling of being immersed in nature, high above the surrounding landscape, enhances the spiritual experience, making it a place for contemplation and connection. InstagramReddit

The Journey and the Reward

The path to Ogamiyama Shrine is an integral part of the experience. It begins with a significant stone staircase, often described as long and winding, flanked by ancient trees. While the journey is physically demanding, it's consistently praised for its beauty and the sense of anticipation it builds. The moss-covered steps and the filtered sunlight create a picturesque and somewhat challenging ascent. Reddit

Upon reaching the Okunomiya (Inner Shrine), visitors often feel a profound sense of accomplishment and awe. The reward for the climb is not just the impressive architecture but also the spiritual atmosphere of the sacred site. Many find the experience of receiving a Goshuin (shrine seal) particularly moving after completing the arduous trek, making it a cherished memento of their effort and devotion. InstagramReddit

This combination of physical challenge and spiritual reward is a recurring theme in visitor feedback. It transforms a simple visit into a memorable pilgrimage, where the journey itself is as significant as the destination. The effort required to reach the shrine deepens the appreciation for its beauty and sacredness. Reddit

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