Mizuya Shrine (Mie Prefecture) Complete Guide | A Power Spot with a Thousand-Year-Old Camphor Tree and Connections to Kasuga Taisha Shrine
Mizuya Shrine, located in Akaoke, Iitaka-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture, is a venerable shrine boasting a history of over a thousand years. Situated along National Route 166, and easily recognizable by its large, brightly colored red tub, the shrine enshrines a giant camphor tree, a prefectural designated natural monument, as its sacred tree, and is known for its deep historical connection to Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Yamato.
It is said to offer various blessings, including matchmaking, fertility, safe childbirth, academic success, and business prosperity, attracting many visitors from within and outside the prefecture as a power spot. This article provides detailed information you should know before visiting Mizuya Shrine, including its history, highlights, blessings, and access methods.
History and Origins of Mizuya Shrine
Origins of its Founding and Relationship to Kasuga Taisha Shrine
The founding of Mizuya Shrine dates back over a thousand years. Initially, it is believed that Mizuya Shrine began as a temporary residence (anzaisho) for the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Yamato, where Amenokoyane-no-Mikoto was enshrined. An anzaisho is a place where a deity temporarily stays away from the main shrine, indicating that Mizuya Shrine was an important base for Kasuga Taisha.
Later, in 648 AD (the fourth year of the Taika era), Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Ryujin-hime-no-Mikoto, and Kushinada-hime-no-Mikoto were invited from Mikasayama in Nara, resulting in the current composition of enshrined deities. Due to this historical background, Mizuya Shrine has been positioned as an important center of faith connecting Yamato and Ise.
The Connection Between the Water Sending Ritual and Kasuga Taisha Shrine
The most distinctive ritual of Mizuya Shrine is the “Water Sending” ritual. This ritual, in which sacred water drawn from the “Akaoke no I” well located west of the shrine is offered to Kasuga Taisha, is an important ceremony that conveys the deep connection between the two shrines.
The Akaoke no I well is considered a sacred place where pure spring water flows continuously, and it is believed that Mizuya Shrine and Kasuga Taisha are spiritually connected through this water. This deep connection with “water” is the origin of the shrine’s name and the reason why it is believed to bring good fortune to businesses and livelihoods related to water.
The Legend of the Division of Ise and Yamato Provinces
Mizuya Shrine has an intriguing legend about the division of the border between Ise and Yamato provinces. The story tells of a dispute over the border between the two provinces in ancient times, during which the boundary was determined by the divine will of the gods.
This legend indicates that Mizuya Shrine was not merely a local place of worship, but functioned as a guardian deity of an important border connecting two nations. For the local people, this shrine is a special sacred place where history and tradition breathe life into.
Mizuya Shrine’s Giant Camphor Tree: A Prefectural Designated Natural Monument
A Sacred Tree Exuding an Overwhelming Presence
Visitors to Mizuya Shrine are inevitably captivated by the gigantic camphor tree (Kusunoki) towering over the shrine grounds. This giant camphor tree is designated as a Mie Prefecture Natural Monument, and its size is one of the largest in the prefecture.
Its estimated age exceeds 1000 years, and it boasts an astonishing size: approximately 35 meters in height, approximately 29 meters in circumference at the base, and approximately 12 meters in trunk circumference. This colossal tree, which has continued to grow for a thousand years, is revered as a tree in which a god resides.
The Mystical Power of the Great Camphor Tree
This great camphor tree, over 1000 years old, is not merely a giant tree, but is considered a symbol of life energy accumulated over many years. Many visitors report feeling a mysterious power when standing before it, increasing its reputation as a power spot.
The camphor tree has been considered sacred since ancient times, and its fragrant wood and evergreen leaves have been seen as symbols of eternity and purity. Among them, the great camphor tree at Mizuya Shrine is particularly revered as a sacred tree, attracting the faith of many.
The Majestic Grounds Lined with Giant Trees
Besides the great camphor tree, the grounds of Mizuya Shrine are lined with giant trees such as zelkova and hackberry, creating a solemn atmosphere. Many people feel a sense of peace and tranquility simply by walking along the path, which resembles a green tunnel created by these giant trees, allowing them to forget the hustle and bustle of the secular world.
Especially during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, the vitality of the trees shines brightest, deeply moving visitors.
The Benefits and Power Spot Appeal of Mizuya Shrine
Diverse Benefits
Mizuya Shrine is believed to offer a variety of benefits, including:
Matchmaking and Marital Harmony
As Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto is enshrined here, many people seeking good relationships and those wishing for marital harmony visit the shrine. The belief in Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto as a married couple is the basis for the benefit of matchmaking.
Childbearing and Safe Childbirth
Due to the divine virtues of Ryujinhime-no-Mikoto, many people wishing to be blessed with children and pregnant women praying for safe childbirth visit the shrine. In fact, there are many reports of people being blessed with children after visiting.
Academic Achievement
Ame-no-Koyane-no-Mikoto is known as the god of learning, and many students preparing for exams and those wishing for academic improvement visit the shrine.
Family Safety and Longevity
Many visitors pray for the health and longevity of their families, drawing on the vitality of the ancient camphor tree, which is over a thousand years old.
Business Prosperity and Water-Related Businesses
As the name “Mizuya” (Water Shop) suggests, people visit to pray for the prosperity of businesses and enterprises related to water. It is known for its strong faith among those in professions closely related to water, such as the food and beverage industry, the fishing industry, and the sake brewing industry.
National Security and Peace
Thanks to the divine virtues of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, it also serves as a place to pray for the peace and security of the nation.
The Legend of the Horse Pond
Within the shrine grounds is a mystical pond called “The Horse Pond.” According to legend, a sacred horse, a messenger of the gods, once drank from this pond, and it is believed that the water possesses special powers due to its miraculous nature.
This pond is another important element that demonstrates Mizuya Shrine’s deep connection to “water.” ### Branch Shrine in Burgundy, France
Interestingly, Mizuya Shrine has a branch shrine in the Burgundy region of France. This is a very rare case, demonstrating that the spirit of traditional Japanese Shinto is spreading across the sea.
This international connection can be seen as evidence of Mizuya Shrine’s universal spiritual power and its ability to heal the hearts of people across borders.
Highlights of Mizuya Shrine
The Marker: The Large Red Bucket
When approaching Mizuya Shrine from National Route 166, the first thing you’ll see is a large, bright red bucket. This is a replica of an “Akaoke” (sacred bucket) and is placed as a symbol of the shrine. Because of this marker, even first-time visitors can easily find the shrine.
The Akaoke Well
Located west of the shrine, the “Akaoke Well” is one of the most important sacred sites for Mizuya Shrine. The pure water gushing from this well has been revered as sacred water since ancient times and has been used in the water-sending ritual to Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
Even today, pure water continues to flow, allowing visitors to experience its refreshing and sacred nature. When you visit the shrine, be sure to visit this well as well.
Main Hall and Worship Hall
The main hall of Mizuya Shrine maintains the style of traditional shrine architecture while exuding a sense of long history. In the worship hall, you can quietly clasp your hands together and offer prayers to the gods with a thousand-year history.
The entire shrine grounds are enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere, making it the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find peace of mind.
The Beauty of Nature in Each Season
Mizuya Shrine displays different expressions in each of the four seasons.
- Spring: The season when new green leaves sprout and the shrine grounds are filled with vitality.
- Summer: The deep green trees create cool shade, alleviating the heat.
- Autumn: The autumn leaves color the shrine grounds, adding splendor to its solemnity.
- Winter: In the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine grounds, one can feel a deeper spirituality.
No matter which season you visit, you can experience the unique beauty and sacredness of Mizuya Shrine.
Access and Visiting Information
Basic Information
Location
515-1725 Akaoke, Iitaka-cho, Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture
Access Method
Access by Car
- Approximately 40 minutes from Matsusaka IC on the Ise Expressway via National Route 166
- Convenient access by car as it is located along National Route 166
- When you see the red large barrel landmark, that’s Mizuya Shrine.
Access by Public Transportation
- Approximately 50 minutes by bus from JR/Kintetsu Matsusaka Station
- However, since the number of buses is limited, it is recommended to check the timetable in advance.
Parking
There is parking space for visitors on the shrine grounds. It is free to use, but it may be crowded during long holidays and special festivals.
Manners and Precautions for Visiting
Visiting Hours
Generally, you can visit the shrine grounds freely, but it is recommended to avoid visiting early in the morning or after sunset, and to visit during daylight hours.
Attire
As this is a sacred place, please avoid revealing clothing and wear clean attire. Especially around the large camphor tree, there are uneven areas, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Photography
Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but please be considerate of other visitors. Also, remember that this is a sacred place and take photographs with respect.
Goshuin (Shrine Seal)
Goshuin (shrine seals) are available at Mizuya Shrine. However, there may not always be a resident priest, so it is recommended to check in advance if you wish to receive a goshuin.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
When visiting Mizuya Shrine, you can enjoy a more fulfilling trip by also visiting nearby tourist attractions.
Nature and Culture of Iitaka Town
Kahada Gorge
This beautiful gorge, created by the clear waters of the Kushida River, offers stunning scenery throughout the seasons. It is particularly magnificent during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves.
Michi-no-Eki Iitaka Station
A roadside station where you can purchase local specialties and fresh agricultural products. It’s also an ideal rest stop.
Hase Botanical Garden
A botanical garden cultivating approximately 300 species of plants, where you can enjoy a nature walk.
Attractions in Matsusaka City
Matsusaka Castle Ruins
The site of a castle built by Gamo Ujisato, with beautifully preserved stone walls. Also famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
Gojoban Yashiki
A valuable group of historical buildings where samurai residences from the Edo period still exist.
Matsusaka Cotton Handweaving Center
You can observe the traditional Matsusaka cotton production process and even try handweaving.
Find Peace of Mind at Mizuya Shrine
Mizuya Shrine is a power spot with a unique charm unlike other shrines, boasting a history of over a thousand years, a 1000-year-old camphor tree, and a connection to Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Yamato.
Despite its location on the bustling National Route 166, stepping onto the shrine grounds transports you to a different world, filled with tranquility and sacredness. Surrounded by ancient trees, you can feel the passage of a thousand years and the presence of the gods.
People visit seeking various blessings—for matchmaking, fertility, safe childbirth, academic success, business prosperity, and more—as do those simply seeking inner peace. Each finds their own prayer and healing at Mizuya Shrine.
When visiting Mie Prefecture, be sure to visit Mizuya Shrine. In this sacred space watched over by a thousand-year-old camphor tree, you too can feel a pure energy welling up from the depths of your heart. Look for the large red tub as a landmark and embark on a journey to Mizuya Shrine, a place steeped in history and power.
