Atagoyama Nature Park

Oshu City

Southern Iwate

Sightseeing Spots Nature/Scenery/Gardens Shrines / Temples

There are many rare plants in its distribution, and the Ite River flows around it. The site of Numajiri Castle is located here, and Atago Shrine, built by Tamuramaro Sakagami, is on the summit of the mountain.
Take the Esashi City Bus, Ite Koujiya Kuchisawa Line (via Kami-Ite) to the Fujisato bus stop, get off at JR Tohoku Shinkansen Mizusawa Esashi Station, and transfer at the Esashi Bus Center bus stop bound for Iwate-ken Kotsu Esashi Fujiwara no Sato.

residence/location: Ishinada, Esashi Fujisato, Oshu-shi, Iwate 023-1172
Inquiries: Contact Name: Oshu City Tourism and Products Association, Esashi Branch
Phone: 0197-35-2111
Fax: 0197-35-3476
Website: http://www.yumeplaza.jp/spot.html

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Tendai Sect Myokenyama Kuroishi Temple

It is said to have been founded by Bodhisattva Gyoki in the first year of the Tenpyo Period (729) of the Nara Era and was called Tokozan Yakushiji Temple, but was destroyed by fire. Later, in 849, Jikaku Daishi restored the temple, which is an old temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. The main statue of Yakushi Nyorai (seated Yakushi Nyorai), designated as a National Important Cultural Property, is Japan's only Jokan-inscribed Buddha, inscribed in the 4th year of Jokan. From the night of the seventh day of the seventh lunar month to the next morning, the "Kuroishiji So-min Festival," a festival of naked men and flames, is held to pray for the exorcism of bad luck and a good harvest. (The Kuroishi Temple Sunmin Festival has not been held since 2025.)

Oshu City

Southern Iwate

Sightseeing Spots History / Culture Nature/Scenery/Gardens Shrines / Temples Snacks / sweets Experience facilities

Kamado Shrine Main Hall Ichiu

It was built in Meiji 19 by Yagoro Iizaka, a shrine carpenter who worked in this area. The building has intricate and elegant carvings, making it a valuable cultural heritage unmatched in the neighborhood.

Oshu City

Southern Iwate

Sightseeing Spots History / Culture Shrines / Temples

Wooden statue of Bishamonten with helmet

Located in the Asai Chifuku Atago Shrine repository, this is a National Important Cultural Property. 　It is said to have been made by Jikaku Daishi in 850 (Kasho 3). 175 cm high. Carved from a single piece of horse chestnut using a machete, it has a clear round eye, which is rare. Normally closed. Advance reservations are required.

Oshu City

Southern Iwate

Sightseeing Spots History / Culture Shrines / Temples