Shinmei jinja Shrine -God of Aisai Town, Mie Prefecture| Mie

Shinmei jinja Shrine, located in the town of Ousatsu, Mie Prefecture, has enshrined “Amaterasu” as its main deity since 1888.
The shrine is located up a gentle slope, and the “Ishi-jinja Shrine,” a terminal shrine located halfway up the approach, is famous throughout the country and attracts many worshippers.

The “Ishigami-san (Shinmei jinja Shrine)” grants one wish for women.

Shinmei jinja Shrine is affectionately called “Ishigami-san” by the locals.
The deity is Tamayorihime-no-mikoto, the mother of Emperor Jinmu and daughter of the sea goddess, and the stone is approximately 60 centimeters high.
Since ancient times, ama (women divers) have prayed for “safe and great catches of fish,” and it has come to be said that “only one wish of women will be fulfilled,” attracting worshippers from all over the country.
Some of the athletes and celebrities who have visited the shrine have had their wishes granted.

Longevity camphor tree of Shinmei jinja Shrine with a sense of history

Toward the end of the Heian Period, the Minamoto clan and the Heike clan fought at Ishibashi Mountain. It is said that the defeated Minamoto clan hid themselves in the cave of this camphor tree.
The long-lived camphor tree had been enshrined outdoors, but a wooden protective covering was completed to support the sacred tree in the center by receiving wood for Shinto rituals from the Ise Jingu Shrine.
You can touch a part of it to receive blessings!

What are the seman and doman to ward off evil at Shinmei jinja Shrine?

The star mark sewn into tenugui hand towels and other garments by ama divers in Ise-Shima is called “seman” and the plaid mark is “doman.

It is believed that the seman can return to the same place (surface) even if it dives because the first and the last strokes of the star are in the same place when the star is written in a stroke. It is believed to be a place where people can escape from evil spirits called ㇳmokazuki.
It is said that the seman was named after the Heian-period onmyouji (yin-yang master) Lord Abe no Seimei, while the doman was named after his rival, the sorcerer Hōshi Ashiya Dōman.
The seman with the star symbol is also known as the Seimei-ban, and is famous throughout Japan for its ability to ward off evil.

Cute Good Luck Charm (Ishigami-san Charm)” at Shinmei jinja Shrine

There is a handmade amulet with purple shells written on a linen cloth that looks like a woman diver’s beach clothes, and a “kanoi-knot” on the string to make the wish come true.
The amulet strap is decorated with genuine pearls and is highly recommended.

Fun around Shinmei jinja Shrine

Rest at Gozaya, an old private house for ama divers

The store was renovated from an old private house from the early Showa period, retaining the charm of the tatami room and kitchen, and the loft-style upstairs seating using beams is also recommended.
The shop also has a display of materials on ama divers, a coffee shop, and a shop where you can buy original products and souvenirs.

Shopping at Toba Marche

The dolphin fountain is a landmark. There is a footbath, so you can take a quick dip while enjoying the view of Toba Bay.
In addition to fresh seafood, the market also sells fruits and sweets made by local people.

When it comes to Mie, this is it! If you want to eat lobster at a reasonable price…

There are various theories as to why it was called Ise lobster because it was caught in large numbers during the Edo period (1603-1867) or why it became Ise lobster because of its vigor.
There are various sizes of lobsters, and small lobsters can be enjoyed at a relatively reasonable price.
Sashimi is good, but I recommend grilled lobster. I feel the sweetness is concentrated in the lobster. Don’t forget to try the soup made from the lobster shells.

Why not relax and unwind in a hot spring?

It would be nice to spend an extraordinary time leisurely gazing at the sea, strolling along the sandy beach, tucking into fresh seafood, and relaxing in a hot spring bath.
Some inns offer a pick-up service from Toba Station, while others will take you to “Ishigami-san” or you can walk there.

Access to Shinmei jinja Shrine

1385, Aisaki-cho, Toba, Mie 517-0032

Parking around Shinmei jinja Shrine

Shinmei jinja Shrine Official Website

Official site：https://ishigamisan-shinmei.com/

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