Isehara Flower Report – March 30, 2026 Here is today's update on cherry blossom blooming in Isehara City. Somei-yoshino cherry trees are blooming beautifully across the city and are now at their best. Around Isehara Station, you can casually enjoy hanami at Isehara Daijingu, Kanzan Park, and Chizu Park. Cherry blossoms are also at their peak at Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, Hinata Yakushi, Jyohatsu-ganji Temple, the General Sports Park, and Fujiyama Park. On MtOoyama, blooms are progressing around Kasumi Bridge, while the Ooyama cherry trees are still a little short of full bloom. Along the Shibuta River, you can enjoy cherry blossoms together with moss phlox, creating a colorful, spring-like scene along the riverbank.

Notice: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine Antique Flea Market The annual antique flea market will take place on the grounds of Hibita Shrine. Antique dealers and art enthusiasts will set up stalls. You might find what you’re looking for or uncover a real bargain! There will also be free flower seedlings, cultural property displays, and vegetable sales. Come and explore a world of captivating collections. Date and time: Sunday, October 19, 2025, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM Location: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, 1472 Sannomiya, Isehara City Contact: 0463-95-3237 (Sannomiya Hibita Shrine)

Notice of the Hibita District Exploration Tour "A Day Tracing Ancient Memories" For history lovers— This full-day tour begins with a formal visit to Sannomiya Hibita Shrine in Sagami Province and then takes you, with a cultural heritage specialist guide, on a relaxed journey through the district’s living "ancient memories," including the former shrine site, burial mounds, and Jomon-period archaeological sites. 🍱Generous tour perks included! Enjoy a special bento from Megumi Kitchen made with pesticide-free vegetables and fermented seasonings, plus a tasting of three local sake servings from Yoshikawa Brewery, letting you experience Hibita’s charms with all five senses. It’s sure to be an unforgettable day for nature, history, and sake enthusiasts. Date and time: Saturday, November 15, 2025, 9:00–14:00 (runs in light rain) Meeting place: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine precincts (1472 Sannomiya, Isehara) Participation fee: 4,000 yen (tax included; bento, three sake tastings, and insurance included) Capacity: 20 people (minimum 10 to run); advance reservation required (deadline: October 27) For application details and more information, please check the Tourism Association website. https://isehara-kanko.com/hibita_tour2025/... We look forward to your participation!

Notice of the Nagoshi no Oharae (Summer Purification Rite) This year, the Nagoshi no Oharae will be performed at shrines in the city. This Shinto ritual cleanses sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months and prays for good health and safety for the coming six months. Anyone may attend, so please take this chance to reset your mind and body and join us. Event Dates and Venues Sunday, June 29 • Isehara Daijingu 4:00 PM Monday, June 30 • Oyama Afuri Shrine, Lower Shrine 2:00 PM • Sannomiya Hibita Shrine 2:00 PM For details, please check the Tourism Association website below: https://isehara-kanko.com/news/10422/...

"The 35th Magatama Festival Report" Here is a report on the Magatama Festival held at Sannomiya Hibita Shrine on Saturday, May 24th. The evening program, "An Evening of Gagaku and Bugaku," was moved to the worship hall due to rain. It was a rare opportunity to experience gagaku up close, making for a deeply engaging and memorable evening.

Notice of the 35th Magatama Festival This weekend, at Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, where fresh green leaves shine, a festival blends ancient romance with modern liveliness. Feel the breath of antiquity and enjoy a special time with family and friends. 📅 Date and Time Saturday, May 24th, 1:00 PM–6:30 PM Sunday, May 25th, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM 📍 Location Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (1472 Sannomiya, Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture) 🎭 Stage Offerings A variety of performances will appear on a special stage, including iaido and kendo, taisho-koto, classical Japanese dance, shigin (recited poetry), taiko drumming, kids' dance, popular music stages, folk songs, yosakoi, and jazz. 🕯️ Special Program On Saturday the 24th from 5:10 PM to 6:30 PM, an evening of court music and bugaku (gagaku dance) will grace the shrine grounds with elegant sounds and dance. 🏺 Hands-on Activities and Exhibits Magatama-making experience (materials fee required) Special exhibition of archaeological materials at the Sannomiya Local Museum (including designated cultural properties) A lively enjoyment area featuring local farm produce sales, food trucks, and festival stalls! Please note that the program may change in case of rain. Thank you for your understanding. For details and access, please see the official website. 👉 https://hibita.jp//

Notice of the Sannomiya Hibita Shrine Annual Grand Festival The annual grand festival of Hibita Shrine is approaching. This year’s festival will be held tomorrow on the following schedule. Saturday, April 26: Shinkosai (Divine Procession) 12:50: Youth shrine duty 13:10: Mikoshi procession 14:00: Crossing at Kanbe 14:25: Arrival at the temporary imperial station for ritual 15:00: Departure of the portable shrine from the temporary imperial station 16:00: Sannomiya crossing 17:10: Return to the shrine, chimaki ceremony, and enshrinement ritual 13:30–15:00: Satokagura dedication (Sagami Satokagura Kakizawa Troupe Mizuki-kai) A vigorous mikoshi procession and the parade of three ningyo‑dashi (doll floats) will color the festival. Please join us and bring your friends and family to visit. For details, please see the official website.🔗 https://hibita.jp//

🌸✨Announcement: San-no-miya Hibita Shrine Annual Grand Festival✨🌸 With the arrival of spring, the Hibita Shrine annual grand festival is approaching. This year’s festival will take place on the following dates. Tuesday, April 22, 10:00: Ritual Service (ceremony conducted by involved parties) Saturday, April 26: Procession Festival (Shinkosai) 12:50: Young Men Gather at the Shrine 13:10: Mikoshi Procession (portable shrine procession) 14:00: Kobe-watashi (crossing at Kobe) 14:25: Arrival at the Temporary Lodging for the Deity 15:00: Departure from the Temporary Lodging with the Portable Shrine 16:00: San-no-miya Crossing 17:10: Return to the Shrine, Chimaki Ceremony and Enshrinement Festival 13:30–15:00: Satokagura Dedication (Sagami Satokagura Kakizawa Troupe Mizuki-kai) Sunday, April 27: Nobori Kaeshi (Banner Return) The festival features a bold mikoshi procession and a parade of three puppet floats, bringing color and excitement to the celebrations. Please come with family and friends to pay your respects. For details, see the official website.🔗 https://hibita.jp//

🌸⛰️ Enjoy spring in the Tanzawa and Ooyama area! The digital stamp rally "Tandai Haru Sanpo" 2025 is now underway! 🚶‍♀️✨ A digital stamp rally has begun, guiding you through spring's spectacular views across the nature-rich Tanzawa and Ooyama area (Atsugi, Isehara, Hadano). 🎉 Collect stamps with your smartphone and redeem wonderful prizes! 🎁 ✨ Prize Details ✨ Get 2 stamps to receive the "Spot Prize"! Complete all 9 stamps to receive the "Complete Prize"! 🎁 Prize redemption period: until Sunday, May 11 🚌 Handy Tips 🚌 Many rally spots fall within the Tanzawa–Ooyama Free Pass area, so you can hop on and off Kanachu buses freely. 🚌💨 With the Tanzawa–Ooyama Free Pass A ticket, the Ooyama Cable Car is also unlimited rides. 🚠🎶 You can buy the free pass at Odakyu Line station ticket machines or via the convenient Digital Tanzawa–Ooyama Free Pass on your smartphone. 📱✨ 📍 Stamp rally spots in Isehara 📍 Ooyama Cable Car Afuri Shrine Station 🚠⛩️ Access: From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 4 bound for "Ooyama Cable" for about 30 minutes to the final stop, then walk about 15 minutes; from Ooyama Cable Station, the cable car ride is about 6 minutes to Ooyama Afuri Shrine Station. Sannomiya Hibita Shrine ⛩️🙏 Access: From Isehara Station North Exit platform 1, take the bus to Kurihara for about 15 minutes and get off at "Hibita Shrine" for a 3-minute walk; or from platform 1 take the bus to Tsurumaki Onsen Station for about 12 minutes, get off at "Godo" and walk 12 minutes (⚠️ limited service). Johatsuganji Temple 🌸🙏 Access: From Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit platform 3, take the bus bound for Hyuga Yakushi for about 20 minutes, get off at "Hyuga Yakushi" and walk about 10 minutes. 🎁 Isehara city prize redemption locations: Isehara Station Kururin House (inside station) (opening hours 9:00–17:00) On the stairs at Odakyu Line Isehara Station North Exit Check the stamp rally details here! 👀 👉 https://tanzawa-oyama.jp/feature/8350/... #Tanzawa #Ooyama #Tandai Haru Sanpo #spring hiking #Atsugi #Isehara #Hadano #Kanagawa sightseeing #digital stamp rally #stamp rally #prizes #handy tips #free pass #Ooyama Cable Car #Ooyama Afuri Shrine #Sannomiya Hibita Shrine #Johatsuganji Temple #Isehara Station #Kururin House 🌸 #spring #day out #sightseeing spots #nature enjoyment 📸 #photogenic #making memories 🚶‍♀️ #hiking #trekking

Setsubun Festival on February 2, 2025 On Sunday, February 2, 2025, the Setsubun Festival was held at Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (guests: sekitori stablemasters Takadagawa, Ryurai, Shonan no Umi, Teru; rakugo storyteller Sanyūtei Yukichi), and Isehara Daijingu. The morning brought unfortunate rain, and snow fell in the cold at Ōyama Afuri Shrine Lower Shrine, but many worshippers still gathered. At the customary bean-throwing, everyone chanted “Fuku wa uchi, oni wa soto!” to drive away demons and welcome good fortune. There was also a lottery exchangeable for koban coins and other draws, with lovely prizes awarded, making the event very lively!

[Notice of the Setsubun Festival on February 2, 2025] Oni out—fortune in! Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event held on the day before Risshun (the beginning of spring), and this year it falls on February 2. Face this year’s lucky direction, west-southwest, and either silently eat an ehomaki roll whole while making a wish or eat beans equal to your age. Drive away evil spirits and pray for a healthy, happy year as you welcome good fortune—please join us for the Setsubun Festival!

Gurutto Tanzawa・Oyama × Miyagase Stamp Rally 2025 This stamp rally takes you around tourist spots in Isehara, Atsugi, Hadano, Aikawa, and Kiyokawa Village✨ Collect seven stamps to receive a bottle♪ (First 1,000 participants) Answer the survey for a second chance to win local specialties in a lottery! Enjoy sightseeing at a discount and discover places you haven’t visited before! Event period: Friday, January 17, 2025 – Friday, March 14, 2025 ★How to participate Step 1: Scan the QR code on flyers or posters to join Step 2: Get stamps at each stamp point (20 locations in total) using the location feature Step 3: Once you’ve collected seven stamps, go to a prize redemption location to get your bottle (First 1,000 participants) Step 4: Complete the survey (75 winners will be drawn to receive local specialties) ★Prize redemption locations Eki-Naka Kururin House (Isehara Station Tourist Information Center) On the stairs at the north exit of Odakyu Line Isehara Station OPEN 9:00–17:00 (Open year-round) Plus four other locations For details, see the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) website “Gurutto Tanzawa Oyama Miyagase Stamp Rally” ⇩ https://area.jaf.or.jp/drive/stamp-rally/kanto/kanagawa_stamp-rally_no1335...

New Year in Isehara 🎍 2024–2025 Information on Ōyama operations and parking during the New Year holidays Ōyama in Isehara is said to be the first place in Kanagawa Prefecture where you can see the first sunrise of the year. The expected time to see the first sunrise from the summit of Ōyama is 6:45 AM. Also noteworthy is Hijirimine (a sacred peak), accessible by a roughly 2.5-kilometer uphill walk from Sannomiya Hibita Shrine of about one hour, where you can enjoy a spectacular 150-degree wide-angle view of the first sunrise rising to the left of Enoshima from the summit. From New Year’s Day 2025, Isehara will be full of New Year events. We have compiled information for each location; please check the details and dress warmly before you go. Please note that many people visit Ōyama during the New Year season, and severe congestion and traffic jams caused by cars waiting for parking are expected. Please use public transportation whenever possible. When it is dark underfoot, bring lighting as needed (flashlights, headlamps, etc.). For details, please see each site and the Isehara City website below. https://www.city.isehara.kanagawa.jp/kankou_guide/docs/2024122300044/...

Hibita Shrine Antique Flea Market 2024 The Hibita Shrine Antique Flea Market took place on October 20, attracting great praise. The memorial dedication taiko drums rang out clearly across the crisp autumn sky!

Hibita Shrine Antique Flea Market (canceled in case of rain) Sunday, October 20, 2024, 9:00 AM–3:30 PM Venue: On the grounds of Sannomiya Hibita Shrine 1472 Sannomiya, Isehara A wide selection of antiques that captivate collectors will be on display. You might find a thrilling discovery or a real bargain! Enjoy lively performances of taiko drumming, food trucks, and a free plant giveaway of flower seedlings from 11:00 AM for the first 100 visitors (one pot per person), among other attractions! Contact: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine 0463-95-3237

Call for Participants: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine “Isshin Crying Sumo” A baby graduation ceremony 👶 Crying sumo is a traditional Japanese ritual praying for babies’ health and growth. Make a once-in-a-lifetime memory—feel free to come and watch! Date: Monday, September 16 (Respect for the Aged Day) Check-in starts at 9:30 AM Venue: Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (1472 Sannomiya, Isehara) Participation fee: ¥13,000 Pay at registration on the day (Includes prayer fee, commemorative gift, and event participation fee) Eligibility: Babies from six months old with neck control up to two and a half years old Registration: Reserve via the “Isshin Crying Sumo” official website (Same-day registration available if space remains) Contact: Isshin Crying Sumo Executive Committee FAX: 078-903-5475 Email: info＠nakisumo.jp

Reiwa 6 (2024), Sunday, June 30 — Nagoshi no Oharae (Summer Purification) This Shinto rite, held every June and December, invites attendees to pass through a chinowa (ring of cogon grass) to purify mind and body and pray for health and protection from illness. The grand purification rites take place at various shrines across Isehara City. * Oyama Afuri Shrine, Lower Shrine (TEL 0463-95-2006) from 14:00 355 Ooyama, Isehara, Kanagawa From Isehara Station North Exit, board the bus from platform 4 bound for Ooyama Cable — about 30 minutes Get off at the final stop, then take the cable car for 6 minutes * Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (TEL 0463-95-3237) from 14:00 1472 Sannomiya, Isehara, Kanagawa From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 1 bound for Kurihara via Sekidai — about 15 minutes Get off at Hibita Shrine From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 4 bound for Isehara Depot via Tonomura and Ishikurabashi — about 12 minutes, get off at “Sannomiya” and walk about 5 minutes From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 1 bound for Tsurumaki Onsen Station via Osumidai — about 12 minutes, get off at “Godo” and walk about 12 minutes From Isehara Station North Exit, take the bus from platform 1 bound for Isehara Depot via Shirane and Route 246 — about 12 minutes, get off at “Danchi-kita” and walk about 12 minutes * Isehara Daijingu (TEL 0463-96-1611) from 16:00 3-8-1 Isehara, Isehara, Kanagawa A 10-minute walk from Isehara Station North Exit along Chuo Street Pass through the chinowa to cleanse impurities and let’s overcome this hot summer together!

Notice: Public restrooms temporarily closed due to repair work at Sannomiya Hibita Shrine Closure period: Monday, June 3, 2024 to Saturday, June 8, 2024 *Schedule may change due to weather or other factors We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation. Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (1472 Sannomiya, Isehara) By train: Odakyu Odawara Line, Isehara Station From Isehara Station by bus Take the bus from North Exit platform 1 (bound for Kurihara via Sekidai) → Get off at Hibita Shrine (about 15 minutes) → short walk Take the bus from North Exit platform 4 (bound for Isehara Depot via Tonomura and Ishikurabashi) → Get off at Sannomiya-shita (about 12 minutes) → about 5-minute walk Take the bus from North Exit platform 1 (bound for Tsurumaki Onsen via Osumidai) → Get off at Gōdo (about 12 minutes) → about 12-minute walk By car: About 5 minutes from Isehara-Oyama Interchange on the Shin-Tomei Expressway

The 34th Magatama Festival On Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26, a festival of culture and the arts took place at Sannomiya Hibita Shrine. On a special stage in the shrine grounds, events such as traditional Japanese dance, iai sword-drawing demonstrations, kendo demonstrations, and magatama (bead) making workshops drew lively crowds, alongside stalls selling local farm produce and food trucks. Kururin tried the raffle where Kururin goods could be won, and won a Kururin memo pad! At the first day's Evening of Wind and Gagaku, attendees were captivated by elegant dances accompanied by wind instruments. Be sure to join us next year!!

The 34th Magatama Festival (Held in rain; program subject to change) Saturday, May 25, 1:00 PM–6:30 PM Sunday, May 26, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Sannomiya Hibita Shrine (1472 Sannomiya, Isehara) By train: Odakyu Odawara Line, Isehara Station From Isehara Station by bus Board at North Exit, Platform 1 (bound for Kurihara via Sekidai) → Get off at "Hibita Shrine" (about 15 minutes) → short walk Board at North Exit, Platform 4 (bound for Isehara Depot via Tonomura and Ishikurabashi) → Get off at "Sannomiya" (about 12 minutes) → about 5 minutes on foot Board at North Exit, Platform 1 (bound for Tsurumaki Onsen via Ozumidai) → Get off at "Gobe" (about 12 minutes) → about 12 minutes on foot By car About 5 minutes from the Shin-Tomei Expressway Isehara-Ooyama Interchange Organizer: Magatama Festival Executive Committee (0463-95-3237) A festival of culture and the arts held in Hibita no Mori, the birthplace of ancient culture A special stage will present a wide variety of performances and events. * Simultaneous special exhibition of archaeological materials (including Important Cultural Properties) (free) Featuring city-designated cultural properties such as items excavated from the Noborioyama Kofun Items excavated from Rachimen Kofun and Oneyama Kofun Bronze swords and horse fittings with gold plating over bronze, such as the kondo tandoryu-kan-ha (a single-dragon ring-hilt in gilt bronze) Numerous cultural properties excavated from surrounding ruins are preserved here Open 10:00 AM–4:00 PM At the Sannomiya Local History Museum (inside Hibita Shrine) * Magatama-making experience (materials fee required) At the parking area in front of Sanshuden (Fun Square) Enjoy local agricultural product sales, food trucks, and other stalls. "An Evening of Kangen and Bugaku" (first day, 25th, 5:10 PM–6:30 PM) The graceful dances performed to wind instrument music are well worth seeing! Kururin will also be there!!

Sagami Kokunomachi Festival (Sagami Kokunomachi) Sunday, May 5 — 9:30 AM Held at Kamisorizan in Oiso Town and other sites The Sagami Kokunomachi Festival brings together six shrines from the old Sagami Province, designated as an intangible folk cultural property of the prefecture Each shrine’s mikoshi will parade toward Kamisorizan At noon, the representative ritual called the "Za Mondō" will take place Ichinomiya: Samukawa Shrine (Samukawa Town) Ninomiya: Kawakusu Shrine (Ninomiya Town) Sannomiya: Hibita Shrine (Isehara City) — departs at 10:20 AM Yoninomiya: Maedori Shrine (Hiratsuka) Ikoku-Issha: Hiratsuka Hachimangu (Hiratsuka) Sosha: Rokasho Shrine (Oiso Town) Parking is limited; please use public transportation From Oiso Station, take a 10-minute bus, get off at Oiso Prince Hotel, then a 10-minute walk Note: Partial road closures around Aishinba (Oyaba) and Kamisorizan 9:00 AM–6:00 PM For details, please see the Rokasho Shrine website.

Sannomiya Hibita Shrine Spring Grand Festival On Saturday, April 27, the divine procession was held with great fanfare on a date different from usual. This year, for the first time in five years, three mechanical puppet floats paraded, accompanied by the mikoshi procession, local kagura performances, a chimaki ritual, and numerous food stalls and booths, creating a lively atmosphere. Be sure to join us next year!!

[Let’s tour five municipalities in a loop!] Tanzawa-Ōyama–Miyagase Stamp Rally Tour February 1, 2024 (Thursday) – March 15, 2024 (Friday) Stamp spots: Atsugi, Aikawa, Kiyokawa, Hadano, Isehara City Anyone can join by downloading the app to your smartphone! You might discover places you’ve never visited before! Collect three or five stamps to receive a special commemorative gift♪ ★How to participate 1. Download the dedicated app on your smartphone 2. Select the stamp rally participation screen within the app 3. Collect one stamp in each municipality (scan the image) 4. Gather three or five stamps to get a commemorative gift! 5. Answer the survey to enter the prize draw! ★Prizes • Three stamps… Original eco bag • Five stamps… Original blanket ★Prize exchange locations Isehara Station Tourist Information Center, Ekina Kururin House, and four other locations For details, please visit the official Isehara City website.

Isehara City Tourism Association in Kanagawa Prefecture has posted! They introduce popular sightseeing spots in Isehara, including Mount Oyama. This nature-filled destination is about an hour from central Tokyo. Please be sure to follow them!

[Isehara Pilgrimage] January 4, 2024 The Isehara City Tourism Association officially started today. Once again, we look forward to your support this year. We immediately visited Sannomiya Hibita Shrine and Isehara Daijingu Shrine to pray for further promotion of tourism this year. We also extend our heartfelt sympathies to those affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake and pray for a swift recovery. *A packed lineup of events in 2024* ♦ Monday, January 8 (holiday) Hinatayakushi’s First Yakushi of the year. A rice porridge offering is planned. ♦ Saturday, January 6 Kururin Café opens♪ Kururin-yaki makes its debut at the Hinata Marche! ♦ Weekends and holidays from Saturday, January 13 to Sunday, January 28 Enjoy winter night views on the Oyama Cable Car’s evening runs. ♦ Saturday, February 3 Setsubun Festival. Events are planned at Oyama Afuri Shrine, Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, and Isehara Daijingu Shrine. ♦ Sunday, February 4 Isehara will also have a booth at Atsugi’s event as part of the Shimokitazawa Road Footbath Campaign. ♦ Saturday, February 10 to Monday, February 12 (holiday) We will promote and exhibit at the Japan Heritage event in Yurakucho. ♦ Wednesday, February 14 and Thursday, February 15 Local Isehara souvenirs and products will be sold in the Isehara City Hall lobby. ♦ Sunday, March 10 The long-running Oyama Mountain Running Marathon, its 39th edition, is coming up. ♦ From Thursday, March 14 Works by students of the pottery class “Sae Hajime” will be displayed in the station-side Kururin House showcase. Look forward to various events again this year!

Nice to meet you! This is the Isehara City Tourism Association. Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, lies in the center of Kanagawa and has a population of 101,495 as of December 2023. About one third of its total area is covered by forests and wilderness, making it a region rich in nature. It also boasts excellent access—about 60 minutes from Shinjuku Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line (Rapid Express/Express). In this first post, we introduce Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, focusing on its sightseeing spots! ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ Sightseeing Information for Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ ■ Mt. Ooyama / Oyama Cable Car / Daisenji Temple / Oyama Afuri Shrine Mt. Ooyama, at 1,251.7 meters and part of Tanzawa-Ōyama Quasi-National Park, is one of the most popular hiking spots in the Kanto region. In 2016 it was designated a Japan Heritage site. From the summit you can see the Sagami Plain and even Tokyo’s skyscrapers on clear days, and the mountain is listed among Kanagawa’s 50 scenic spots. ・Oyama Cable Car The Ōyama Cable Line, commonly called the Oyama Cable Car, is a 0.8 km cable car. With large windows to enjoy Ooyama’s nature, it provides easy access toward the summit. ・Daisenji Temple Daisenji sits on the mountainside and is also known as Mount Amefuri. In autumn the maple trees flanking the stone steps to the main hall turn brilliant red, making it a famous spot for autumn foliage. A “Momiji Festival” is held and draws many visitors. There are four types of goshuin (temple stamps), including a striking gold-letter special edition. [Access: Get off at Daisenji Station on the Oyama Cable Car, about a 3-minute walk] ・Oyama Afuri Shrine Founded over 2,200 years ago, the shrine enshrines the three deities Ōyamatsumi no Ōkami, Ooi-Kazuchi-no-Kami, and Takaokami-no-Kami. The main shrine sits at the summit of Mt. Ooyama, with the lower shrine located on the mountainside. The view from Afuri Shrine Station on the Oyama Cable Car, which earned two stars in the Michelin Green Guide Japan, is a must-see when you get off the cable car. [Access: Get off at Afuri Shrine Station on the Oyama Cable Car] ■ Hinata Yakushi Officially named Hinatayama Hojo-bo, it enshrines a Yakushi Nyorai carved from a single block of wood and is one of Japan’s three great Yakushi temples. Until the end of the Edo period it was called Mount Hyūga Ryōzen-ji and served as a center for Hinata Shugendo, where monks practiced ascetic training in this sacred area. Every year in mid-September red spider lilies bloom around Hinata Yakushi and attract many visitors. Hinata Yakushi offers many sights starting with the Kongorikishi statues along the approach. The Hoden, built to store cultural properties, houses 23 historic Buddhist statues, including eight nationally designated items and two prefecturally designated items. The Yakushi-do, the main hall with its thatched roof, is also designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. ■ Isehara Tounoyama Ryokuchi Park The park and citizen green space together cover about 13 hectares, with trails and lawns where you can relax and enjoy nature at a gentle pace. The well-maintained paths make hiking enjoyable and safe even for small children. ■ Mitakeen This mikan orchard covers about 1 hectare and grows approximately 900 mikan trees. Mikan picking season runs from mid-September to around February. From mid-September you can pick early varieties such as Hinano-hime and Nitta No. 1, and from early October varieties like Miyagawa wase and Taguchi wase are available. From spring through summer you can also enjoy barbecues and vegetable-harvesting experiences. Because Mitakeen sits on the mountainside, on clear days you can enjoy views of Sagami Bay, Enoshima, and the Boso Peninsula. ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ Event Information for Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ Isehara City hosts a variety of events throughout the year. ■ Setsubun Festival Celebrities are invited and events are held at sites such as Oyama Afuri Shrine, Sannomiya Hibita Shrine, and Isehara Daijingu Shrine. [Held: the day before Risshun (the beginning of spring)] ■ Sannomiya Hibita Shrine Spring Grand Festival Hibita Shrine has been known as a power spot since the Jomon period. The spring grand festival features three colorful karakuri doll floats parading through town. Traditional folk kagura performances take place on the shrine grounds and are another highlight. Festival stalls line the streets—about 200 vendors in 2023. [Held: usually in April] ■ Painted Lantern Festival Handmade painted lanterns line Oyama Shinmichi (the bypass), creating a magical scene that lights the night. Lantern designs include Edo-period woodblock print motifs and popular characters. A stamp rally and other events are held during the festival. [Held: mid to late August every year] ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ Accommodation Information for Isehara City, Kanagawa Prefecture ─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─・─ Isehara offers inns, temple lodgings, and hotels tucked into quiet mountain valleys. Each accommodation serves dishes made from fresh local ingredients, and some venues offer meal-only options. You can also find lodging information on the official website of the Isehara City Tourism Association for reference. With dramatic natural scenery, historic landmarks, and the mystical atmosphere of shrines and temples, Isehara City in Kanagawa Prefecture has many attractions to explore. We will continue to share Isehara’s charms through this account. Thank you and we look forward to your support!