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Omiwa Shrine 大神神社
Sakurai, Nara · Open in Google Maps
Ōmiwa Jinja is considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan. It has no main sanctuary building: the god Ōmononushi is believed to dwell in Mt. Miwa itself, and people pray toward the mountain.
What to look for
- Offerings of eggs and sake are left for the snake associated with the god.
- The shrine is the origin of the sugidama, the ball of cedar leaves that sake breweries hang over their doors.
- A very large torii stands near the approach and can be seen from far away.
Enshrined kami
- Ōmononushi 大物主神
What people pray for here
Love and matchmaking, health, and prosperity, especially for sake brewers.
Etiquette
Climbing Mt. Miwa is an act of worship with its own rules, managed by the shrine. Ask at the shrine before thinking of going up.
New to shrines? Read our short guide to shrine etiquette: purifying your hands, bowing and clapping, offerings, omamori and goshuin.