Shrine on Cliffs of Cape Irozaki

The origins of Ishimuro Shrine are shrouded in mystery and various fantastic legends that include the mention of dragons. However, the original structure was most likely built in the year 701 according to inscriptions on a munafuda (small wooden planks/boards that are stored with temples and shrines upon completion of construction).

The shrine was built into a crevice/cave on the cliffs right above crashing waves below. This rock, like much of Izu’s beautiful and geologically unique coastline, was formed by lava flows that erupted from a submarine volcano. The amount of work and danger involved in building a shrine in this particular location without the convenience of modern machinery or technology is a feat in and of itself.

Locals from the numerous fishing villages nearby worship the shrine’s guardian deity of the sea and pray for maritime safety and business prosperity. Tourists can also visit the shrine and pray for academic success and even traffic safety. The shrine is actually manned by a priest selling the omamori (Japanese amulets). The priest was kind enough to watch and play with my dog while I entered the shrine to make an offering and prayer.