Motoyama Shrine (Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture) Complete Guide | A Shrine with a History Intertwined with the Osarizawa Mine
Motoyama Shrine, located in Osarizawa, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, is a shrine deeply intertwined with the history of the Osarizawa Mine, a historical site known as one of Japan’s leading mines. It once attracted the faith of the mine workers and played an important role as a place to pray for the safety and prosperity of the region. This article provides detailed information you should know before visiting, including the history of Motoyama Shrine, its enshrined deities, access methods, and nearby attractions.
History and Origins of Motoyama Shrine
History Intertwined with the Osarizawa Mine
Indispensable to understanding the history of Motoyama Shrine is its connection to the Osarizawa Mine. The Osarizawa Mine is said to have been discovered in 708 AD and boasts a history of approximately 1,300 years as one of Japan’s leading mines, producing gold, silver, and copper. Legend has it that the gold produced was used in the construction of the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple in Nara and the Golden Hall of Chuson-ji Temple in Iwate.
Motoyama Shrine is located in the Motoyama district of the Osarizawa Mine and has been revered as a place of prayer for the safety of mine workers and as a guardian deity of the region. In the dangerous working environment of a mine, the shrine was a vital source of spiritual support.
The Connection Between Mining Settlements and Faith
The copper mining area of the Osarizawa Mine was home to several settlements, including Tagori, Motoyama, Shimoyuzawa, Nishimichi, Akazawa, Shishizawa, and Sasagoya. Each of these settlements had its own Inari shrine, and Motoyama Shrine was one of them, serving as a central point of local faith. As a place where mine workers and their families prayed for daily safety and prosperity, the shrine became a spiritual pillar of the settlement.
Deities Enshrined at Motoyama Shrine
The deities enshrined at Motoyama Shrine are believed to be gods who protect the mine and ensure the safety of the region. Many shrines associated with mining typically enshrine deities of mining and metals, such as Kanayamahiko-no-Mikoto and Kanayamahime-no-Mikoto, or Inari, the god of rice and metals.
For miners, dangers such as cave-ins and toxic gases were always present. Therefore, prayers for safety at work and the discovery of rich ore veins held great importance. Motoyama Shrine also functioned as a place to receive such earnest wishes.
Location and Surrounding Environment of Motoyama Shrine
Details of the Location
Location: Osarizawa, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture
Motoyama Shrine is located in the Osarizawa district of Kazuno City, in the northeastern part of Akita Prefecture. Kazuno City is close to the borders of Aomori and Iwate Prefectures and has good access to tourist destinations such as Lake Towada and Hachimantai. The Osarizawa district is a historical area centered around the Osarizawa Mine, a historical site, and many people lived there during the mine’s prosperous period. ### Geographical Characteristics of the Surrounding Area
The Motoyama area is located in a mountainous region, surrounded by a rich natural environment. It retains traces of its former mining settlement, exuding a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The area also boasts remnants of the Osarizawa Mine’s tunnels and related facilities, making it a valuable industrial heritage site.
Access to Motoyama Shrine
Nearest Station and Line
Nearest Station: JR Hanawa Line, Kazuno-Hanawa Station
Kazuno-Hanawa Station is the nearest station to Motoyama Shrine. The JR Hanawa Line connects Morioka Station (Iwate Prefecture) to Odate Station (Akita Prefecture) and is the main public transportation system in the Kazuno area. Motoyama Shrine is approximately 10km from Kazuno-Hanawa Station, about a 15-minute drive.
Nearest Bus Stop and Line
From Kazuno-Hanawa Station, you can use the Kazuno City Community Bus or the Akita Kita Bus lines. Buses to Osarizawa are infrequent, so it’s recommended to check the timetable in advance. Using the bus bound for the Osarizawa Mine Historic Site will give you access to the area around Motoyama Shrine.
Access by Car
From the Kazuno-Hachimantai Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway: Approximately 10 minutes (approximately 8 km)
Access by car is the most convenient. Exit the Tohoku Expressway at the Kazuno-Hachimantai Interchange and head towards Osarizawa via National Route 282. The Osarizawa Mine Historic Site is a good landmark to look for. When using car navigation or smartphone map apps, it’s best to set “Osarizawa Mine Historic Site” as your destination.
Parking Information
There is no large dedicated parking lot around Motoyama Shrine, but you can use the parking lot (free) at the Osarizawa Mine Historic Site. From there, you can walk to the Motoyama area. However, some roads around the shrine are narrow, so please drive carefully.
Nearby Tourist Attractions and Points of Interest
Osarizawa Mine Historic Site
When visiting Motoyama Shrine, you should definitely stop by the Osarizawa Mine Historic Site. This mine, with a history of approximately 1,300 years, continued to produce gold, silver, and copper until its closure in 1978. Currently, it is a tourist facility where you can tour the approximately 800-meter-long mine tunnels.
Inside the tunnels, you can see exhibits recreating mining operations from the Edo period to the Showa period, as well as tools and ore used at the time. The cool tunnels are refreshing even in summer, making it a comfortable place to visit year-round. The tour takes approximately 40 minutes to 1 hour.
Ryoshayama Shrine (Osarizawa)
In addition to Motoyama Shrine, there are several other shrines in the Osarizawa area. Ryoshayama Shrine is one of the important shrines in the Osarizawa area and has been a center of local faith. The fact that each district of the mining settlement had its own shrine speaks to the depth of faith of the people at that time.
Hachiman Shrine (Kazuno City)
Hachiman Shrine is also located in Kazuno City, approximately 29 minutes (about 2.3 km) on foot from Motoyama Shrine. Those with ample time can enjoy a shrine pilgrimage, visiting several shrines. You’ll be able to experience the unique history and atmosphere of each shrine.
Sightseeing in Kazuno City Center
The city center around Kazuno-Hanawa Station is dotted with restaurants and souvenir shops. There are also restaurants where you can enjoy local Kazuno cuisine such as “kiritanpo” and “Hinai Jidori” (a type of chicken), allowing you to enjoy local food between sightseeing.
About the Osarizawa Shrine Festival
Kazuno City holds a traditional event called the Osarizawa Shrine Festival. This festival, held at the shrines in the Osarizawa district, is an important event praying for the safety and prosperity of the region. Including Motoyama Shrine, the shrines in the Osarizawa district have a long tradition of festivals that have been carefully preserved by the local people.
For details about the festival, please contact the Tourism and Exchange Section of the Kazuno City Industrial Vitality Division (4-1 Arata, Hanawa, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture 018-5292) for the latest information.
Temples around Motoyama Shrine
In addition to shrines, historical temples are scattered throughout Kazuno City.
Entsuji Temple
This is one of the Buddhist temples in Kazuno City and is a center of local Buddhist faith. In Japan, which has a history of syncretism of Shinto and Buddhism, shrines and temples often exist in close proximity, and visiting both allows for a deeper understanding of the local religious culture.
Entokuji Temple
Entokuji Temple is also a temple in Kazuno City with a long history. When visiting Motoyama Shrine, if you have time, visiting the surrounding temples as well will allow you to experience the religious culture of the Kazuno region comprehensively.
Enpukuji Temple and Enmeiji Temple
Enpukuji Temple and Enmeiji Temple are also temples located in Kazuno City. These temples attract the faith of the local people, and various religious services and ceremonies are held there.
Guidelines for Visiting Motoyama Shrine
Basic Manners for Visiting Shrines
When visiting a shrine, it is important to observe basic manners. Bow before passing through the torii gate, and walk along the sides of the path, as the center is considered the path of the gods. If there is a purification fountain, cleanse your hands and mouth before praying.
At the front of the main hall, the basic etiquette is “two bows, two claps, one bow.” First, bow deeply twice, then clap twice, and finally bow deeply once more. It is polite to quietly place your offering rather than throwing it.
Regarding Photography
Photography is generally permitted at shrines, but remember that it is a sacred place and take pictures with moderation. Avoid taking pictures inside the main hall or in restricted areas, and be considerate of other visitors.
Clothing and Items to Bring
Since the area around Motoyama Shrine is located in a mountainous region, comfortable walking shoes and clothing are recommended. Especially in winter, there is a possibility of snow and ice, so be sure to prepare warm clothing and non-slip shoes. Even in summer, insect repellent spray is useful.
Attractions and Tourist Information of Kazuno City
Characteristics of Kazuno City
Kazuno City is located in the northeastern part of Akita Prefecture, bordering Aomori and Iwate Prefectures. With a population of approximately 30,000, it is an attractive region where rich nature and history and culture harmonize. It offers good access to tourist destinations such as Lake Towada and Hachimantai, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature throughout the seasons.
Local Cuisine of Kazuno
When visiting the Kazuno region, you should definitely try the local cuisine. “Kiritanpo Nabe,” a representative dish of Akita Prefecture, is said to have originated in Kazuno. Kiritanpo, made by crushing new rice, wrapping it around a stick, and grilling it, is simmered in Hinai chicken broth. This dish is characterized by its simple yet profound flavor.
Hot Springs and Relaxation
There are several hot spring facilities around Kazuno City, perfect for relaxing after sightseeing. Hot springs with excellent water quality, such as Hachimantai Onsenkyo and Oyu Onsenkyo, are scattered throughout the area, and day trips are possible. Relaxing in a hot spring after visiting Motoyama Shrine is highly recommended.
Seasonal Scenery Around Motoyama Shrine
Arrival of Spring
Spring (April-May) in the Kazuno region is the season when new greenery sprouts as the snow melts. The mountains are tinged with a light green, and you can enjoy visiting the shrine in refreshing air. However, the roads can be slippery during the snowmelt season, so be careful where you step.
Summer Greenery
In summer (June-August), you can enjoy the area around Motoyama Shrine enveloped in deep green. The tunnels of the historic Osarizawa Mine maintain a cool temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius year-round, making it ideal for sightseeing away from the summer heat. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent.
Autumn Foliage
Autumn (September to November) is a beautiful season for autumn leaves. The mountains turn red and yellow, and the area around the shrine is also dyed in autumn colors. The Kazuno region has many famous spots for autumn foliage, and you can enjoy leaf-peeping in conjunction with a visit to Motoyama Shrine. The best time to see the leaves is from mid to late October.
Winter Silence
In winter (December to March), the area around Motoyama Shrine is covered in snow and enveloped in silence. The shrine in the snowscape creates a mystical atmosphere, but heavy snowfall and icy roads can make visits difficult. If visiting in winter, check road conditions in advance and be sure to be adequately equipped.
Model Itinerary for Visiting Motoyama Shrine
Half-Day Course (Approx. 4 Hours)
- Arrive at Kazuno-Hanawa Station (9:00)
- Travel by car to the Osarizawa Mine Historic Site (9:15)
- Visit the Osarizawa Mine Historic Site (9:30-11:00)
- Visit Motoyama Shrine (11:15-11:45)
- Lunch in Kazuno City (e.g., Kiritanpo Nabe) (12:00-13:00)
- Return to Kazuno-Hanawa Station (13:30)
Full-Day Course (Approx. 8 Hours)
- Arrive at Kazuno-Hanawa Station (9:00)
- Visit the Osarizawa Mine Historic Site (9:30-11:30)
- Visit to Motoyama Shrine (11:45-12:15)
- Lunch (12:30-13:30)
- Visiting surrounding shrines such as Ryoshayama Shrine and Hachiman Shrine (14:00-15:30)
- Bathing at Oyu Onsen (16:00-17:00)
- Return to Kazuno-Hanawa Station (17:30)
Contact Information for Motoyama Shrine
For detailed information about Motoyama Shrine and other shrines in the Osarizawa area, please contact the following:
Akita Prefecture Shrine Association
Provides information on all shrines in Akita Prefecture. A shrine search service is also available.
Kazuno City Industrial Vitality Division, Tourism Exchange Section
4-1 Arata, Hanawa, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture 018-5292
Responds to inquiries regarding Kazuno City’s tourism information and festivals.
Summary: The Charm and Value of Visiting Motoyama Shrine
Motoyama Shrine, located in Osarizawa, Kazuno City, Akita Prefecture, is a shrine deeply intertwined with the history of the Osarizawa Mine. It played a vital role as a place of worship for the people who worked in the mine, which has a history of approximately 1,300 years, and as a place to pray for the safety and prosperity of the region.
Currently, the Osarizawa Mine historical site has been developed as a tourist facility, attracting many visitors. Visiting Motoyama Shrine allows you to experience firsthand the lives and beliefs of the people who worked in the mine, as well as the history of the region.
Access is relatively easy, about 15 minutes by car from Kazuno-Hanawa Station and about 10 minutes from the Kazuno-Hachimantai Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway. Combining a visit to the shrine with a tour of the Osarizawa Mine historical site will provide a more fulfilling sightseeing experience.
Why not enjoy the rich nature, history and culture, hot springs, and local cuisine of the Kazuno region while spending some quiet time at Motoyama Shrine? In this place where industrial heritage and the history of faith intersect, you can reflect on the footsteps of the people who supported Japan’s modernization.
We recommend using map apps or navigation services to check detailed information beforehand before visiting. A precious experience awaits you, where you can feel the weight of history and the nature surrounding Motoyama Shrine, which shows different expressions in each season.
