Towada Shrine: A power spot standing on the shores of a mysterious lake
Lake Toada is a mysterious lake filled with deep blue water located deep in the northern Tohoko region. On the lakeside at the base of the Nakayyama Peninsula sits the ancient Toada shrine. A shrine imbued with powerful energy. We will introduce the history of this shrine which is steeped in the legend of the dragon god, the lord of lake toada and the tranquil path to the shrine. Toada shrine is located in Yasima, a tourist hub on the shores of Lake Toada. Be sure to enjoy the journey to Lake Toada which is rich in nature. The shrine’s entrance is located at the back of Yasamir on the shores of Lake Toada. Once you pass through the stone tory gate, you’ll find yourself in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the outside world as you enter a tranquil approach surrounded by cedar trees that are hundreds of years old. These majestic cedar trees act as a barrier separating the secular world from the sacred grounds. There are two main stories about the history of Toadada shrine. One is the war god theory. It is said to have begun in 807 when Shogun Sakeno Noturamaru during his expedition to the east erected a shrine on a raging lake to pray to Yamato Takerino no mikoto the god of military fortune. The other legend is the dragon god which forms the heart of lake toada. A monk named Nadsenobo received a prophecy from Kumano Gongan and arrived at the place where the straps of his iron straw sandals broke. that is on the shores of Lake Toada. However, at the time, the lake was ruled by Matagi hunters who had transformed into a giant eight-headed snake. In order to become the master of the lake, Nansovo transformed into a nine-headed dragon. And after a fierce battle that lasted seven days and seven nights, he defeated the snake and became the guardian deity of the lake, Cyro Dean. The very place that became the dragon god’s home is the Okinon inner sanctuary, also known as Amura, a cliff cave located in the center of the lake. Mysterious patterns known as the dragon’s eye remain within the cave, conveying the history of strict aesthetic practices. Currently accessible only by boat. This is Lake Toadada’s most sacred place. Once you pass through the approach and Tory gate, you will come across a dragon-shaped Chazuya purification fountain that welcomes worshippers with pure water as a testament to the worship of the dragon god. You will see a pair of Kamayu statues and stone steps. Climbing the stone steps will take you to the space in front of the worship hall. As you climb the stone steps, you can see the magnificent carvings on the building down to the finest detail and the stately worship hall. Though the ornate decorations are modest, the shrine building built in the Nagari Zukuri style exudes the weight of history and the dignity of a guardian deity of the lake. The majestic atmosphere of the temple grounds surrounded by nature leaves a deep impression on visitors. Toadada shrine once thrived alongside auroris and is one of the two major sacred sites of Shugendo. Due to the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the Maji period, the current enshrined deity is Emperor Yamato Takeru. But up until the Edeto period, it flourished as Kumano Gongan enshrining Saru Dean. This place is still one of the most sacred places in the Tohoko region where the power of the water god and dragon god remains strong. And behind it lies the main hall. The main hall is not generally open to the public, but it houses the gods that have attracted the faith of many people since the temple’s founding. In particular, the former worship of Syu Dean shows that this place is a miraculous place of the water god. You can see what appear to be the iron straw sandals that appear in the legend of Nanover hanging on the main hall. Next to the main shrine, a Kumana shrine and Anari shrine. And when talking about Toada Shrine, it is essential to mention the existence of the fortunetelling spot, a mysterious ritual associated with the lake. A corner of the lakeside down the cliffs behind the shrine has long been known as the fortunetelling spot with miraculous powers. Worshippers would throw a piece of paper called a Y origami into the lake and it was said that if it sank, their wish would come true. But if it floated and was washed away, it would not be granted. Today, for safety reasons, it is not possible to descend to the fortunetelling spot on the cliffs. But this custom has been passed down in a modified form, and it gives a sense of the deep fate that is one with Lake Toada. There is a walking path called good luck path that leads to Toadada shrine. It was created by volcanic activity and connects Toadada shrine to the lakeside Gingerama forming a gentle scurve. During the time when lake toada was known as a sacred mountain, there were six shugando caves along this path where aesthetics practiced and today they are dedicated to the gods of heaven and earth. The six gods enshrined in the caves are wind god, fire god, mountain god, gold god, arman noatau and sun god. It is said that worshippers made their wishes as they walked along this path. When you come out to the lakeside Genjahama beach that leads from Ka Nokamichi, you will find the maiden statue by sculptor Kotro Takamura. It was erected in 1953 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the designation of Lake Toada National Park. Toadada shrine is one of the most powerful awful spots in northern Tohoko, combining a sense of orphan nature with the powerful legend of the dragon god. If you’re traveling around Lake Toada, be sure to visit this place and feel its mysterious energy. Thank you for watching. If you enjoyed the video, please subscribe to our channel.
Lake Towada is a mysterious lake that straddles Aomori and Akita prefectures. Enshrined on its shores is Towada Shrine, which once flourished as one of the most sacred sites in the Tohoku region. This ancient shrine, which is said to have been founded by Shogun Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and is colored by the legend of the Shugendo monk Nansobo, who became a nine-headed dragon god, was once one of the two major sacred sites alongside Mount Osore, and many Shugendo monks gathered there.
Whether you’re visiting Japan for the first time or want to learn more about Japanese culture, this guide will help you visit with peace of mind. Experience the profound depth of the shrines and temples that are found everywhere in Japan, and enjoy your spiritual journey through Japan!
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