About Sai Shrine
Sai Shrine is a subsidiary shrine of Omiwa Shrine, located in Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. Situated at the foot of Mount Miwa, it is characterized by its tranquil atmosphere surrounded by lush trees. The enshrined deity is Omiwa no Aramitama no Kami, and it is widely revered for its blessings of healing illnesses and good health.
It is also the entrance to the pilgrimage route to Mount Miwa and has been revered as a sacred place since ancient times.
Main Blessings
Healing Illnesses and Prayer for Good Health
The greatest feature of Sai Shrine is its blessing of healing illnesses. The water from the “Medicine Well” (Kusuri-ido) that springs forth within the shrine grounds is known as “sacred water” and is said to be effective against all kinds of illnesses.
Other Benefits
- Physical Health: Many worshippers visit to pray for daily health maintenance.
- Protection from Evil: Believed to possess powerful protection from evil due to the enshrinement of a fierce spirit.
- Purification of Mind and Body: Surrounded by the sacred energy of Mount Miwa, one can purify their mind and body.
Points to Note During Your Visit
Medicinal Well (Sacred Water)
The water gushing from the Medicinal Well within the shrine grounds is the greatest highlight of Sai Shrine. This water is groundwater from Mount Miwa and has long been believed to have miraculous healing properties as “medicinal water.”
Etiquette for Visiting the Shrine:
- After completing your prayers at the main hall, proceed to the medicinal well.
- Draw water using the provided cup and drink it on the spot.
- You may also take the water home in your own container, such as a plastic bottle.
- Some people apply the water to ailments in addition to drinking it.
Entrance to the Climb of Mount Miwa
Sai Shrine is also the reception point for the climb of Mount Miwa. Mount Miwa is revered as a sacred mountain, and the following rules apply to climbing it:
- Reception hours: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Descent by 4:00 PM)
- Offering fee: 300 yen
- No photography, no eating or drinking, no open fires
- The round trip climb takes approximately 2-3 hours
- Climbers must wear a white sash (tasuki)
Flowers of the Four Seasons
Sai Shrine is also known as a famous spot for flowers:
- Spring (April): The cherry blossoms that adorn the shrine grounds are magnificent
- Early Summer (April-May): Medicinal herbs such as lilies and rhododendrons bloom profusely
- Summer: Surrounded by deep green, it has a cool atmosphere
- Autumn: The autumn leaves color the shrine grounds
- Winter: In the midst of silence, you can feel the dignified atmosphere of the sacred grounds.
Especially during the “Sasayuri Festival” (mid-April to early May each year), it is bustling with many worshippers.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Main Hall
The magnificent main hall, with its cypress bark roof, stands against the backdrop of Mount Miwa. As a shrine dedicated to the fierce spirit of Omiwa Shrine, it exudes a powerful atmosphere.
Shizume Pond
This small pond within the shrine grounds has been considered a sacred place since ancient times. The calm surface of the water soothes the soul.
Access
Access by Train
From JR Sakurai Line “Miwa Station”:
- Approximately 25-30 minutes on foot
- The most common route is via Omiwa Shrine to Sai Shrine.
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot from the second torii gate of Omiwa Shrine to Sai Shrine.
From Kintetsu Osaka Line “Sakurai Station”:
- Bus: Get off at “Miwa Myojin Sando-guchi” bus stop (Nara Kotsu Bus), approximately 20 minutes on foot.
- Taxi: Approximately 10 minutes.
Access by Car
- Approximately 30 minutes from Nishimeihan Expressway “Tenri IC” via National Route 169.
- Parking: Use the Omiwa Shrine parking lot (free, approximately 150 cars).
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from the Omiwa Shrine parking lot to Sai Shrine.
Parking Information
The nearest parking lot is at Omiwa Shrine:
- Fee: Free
- Capacity: Approximately 150 cars
- During peak seasons such as New Year’s, temporary parking lots are also opened.
Visiting Information
- Address: 1422 Miwa, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture
- Phone: 0744-42-6633 (Omiwa Shrine)
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Miwa Mountain climbing is accepted from 9:00 to 14:00)
- Admission Fee: Free (Miwa Mountain climbing requires a 300 yen offering)
- Estimated Time Required: 30 minutes for worship only, 3-4 hours including Miwa Mountain climbing
Nearby Attractions
- Omiwa Shrine: One of Japan’s oldest shrines, 10-minute walk
- Kuehiko Shrine: Deity of learning, 5-minute walk from Omiwa Shrine
- Hibara Shrine: One of the original Ise shrines, 20-minute walk
- Yamanobe-no-michi: Japan’s oldest road, a walking path that evokes ancient romance
Summary
Sai Shrine is a shrine with diverse attractions, including sacred water believed to heal illnesses, a gateway to the climb up Mount Miwa, and seasonal flowers. Visiting it in conjunction with a visit to Omiwa Shrine allows you to experience the depth of the Mount Miwa faith and the spirit of ancient Japanese nature worship. It is a sacred place that we especially recommend visiting for those praying for good health and those seeking purification of mind and body.
