Oyamazumi Shrine

Shrine

Part of Shimanami Kaido

Prefecture

Ehime

Type

Shrine

N/A

1 review

Free

Entry Fee

Free Entry Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

One of Japan's most significant Shinto shrines on Omishima Island along the Shimanami Kaido, housing approximately 80% of Japan's nationally-designated arms and armor (National Treasure + Important Cultural Property combined).

Oyamazumi Shrine on Omishima Island is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines, dedicated to Oyamatsumi, the deity of mountains, sea, and war. For centuries, warriors offered their finest armor and weapons here before and after battle. The result: about 80% of all nationally-designated arms and armor in Japan — counting National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties together — are in this shrine's collection. The treasure hall displays them, spanning Heian through Edo periods. On the grounds stands a 2,600-year-old camphor tree, designated a Natural Monument. The shrine sits on the Shimanami Kaido cycling route between Hiroshima and Shikoku—easy stop for cyclists hopping between islands.

Location

Prefecture: Ehime

Address: Imabari, Ehime, Japan

Nearest Station: Imabari Station

View on Google Maps

Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: A small cafe near the shrine serves refreshments. Omishima Island is known for its citrus fruits, especially mikan and lemons, and local shops sell mikan juice and citrus sweets.

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Oyamazumi Shrine?

Oyamazumi is on Omishima Island along the Shimanami Kaido. By car: 50 minutes from JR Imabari Station via the Shimanami Kaido (Omishima IC, 7 minutes from the shrine). By bus: take the Setouchi Bus 'Omishima' line from JR Imabari to Omishima Bus Stop (1 hour, ¥1,160), then 5-minute taxi. By bicycle along Shimanami Kaido: 35 km from Imabari (3–4 hours). Free parking on shrine grounds.

What can I see at the treasure hall?

The Kokuho-kan houses an unparalleled collection of armor, swords, helmets, and pole weapons spanning Heian to Edo periods — about 80% of all nationally-designated samurai arms and armor in Japan (National Treasure + Important Cultural Property combined). Highlights include the helmet of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Yoritomo's armor (both National Treasures). Adult entry ¥1,000, junior high/elementary ¥800. Open 8:30–17:00 (last entry 16:30) year-round. No photography allowed inside; English signage limited but a Japanese-only audio guide adds depth.

What's the 2,600-year-old camphor tree?

A massive sacred camphor tree on the shrine grounds, designated a Natural Monument. At an estimated 2,600 years old (one of the oldest documented trees in Japan), it has a trunk circumference of 11 meters and a height of 15 meters. Tradition holds that walking around the tree three times while making a wish brings it true. The tree is right at the entrance to the inner shrine — you can't miss it. Free to view; touching is permitted briefly but lingering is discouraged.

Is the shrine worth a Shimanami Kaido detour?

Absolutely — Oyamazumi is the cultural highlight of the Shimanami Kaido and the only stop most Japanese visitors prioritize. Allow 90 minutes: 30 minutes for the camphor tree and main shrine, 45 minutes in the treasure hall, plus a citrus juice from the rest area. Ideal lunch stop on a 6+ hour cycling crossing. Combine with the Tatara Shimanami Park (free aquarium) and the Imabari Towel Museum for a full island day.

Nearby Destinations

🎯

Okunoshima 7.8km

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