Nasu Onsen Jinja｜Complete guide to the charms and worship at this famous shrine steeped in history and tradition

Nasu Onsen Shrine, located in the hot spring village of Nasu-cho, Tochigi Prefecture, is an ancient shrine with a long history of over 1,300 years. It is also known as the place where Nasu Yoichi, famous for the Tale of the Heike, prayed when shooting a target with a fan, and is still a popular power spot for many visitors.

Outline and basic information about Nasu Onsen Shrine

Nasu Onsen Shrine is located in Nasu Hot Spring Village, Nasu-cho, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture, and is known as a prestigious old shrine that is listed in the Engi-shiki Shinmeicho. It is said to have been built in the reign of Emperor Seimei (629-641), and has long been revered by local people as the god of hot springs.

History and Origin

The Nasu Onsen Shrine dates back to the reign of Emperor Seimei, when the Nasu Onsen was discovered and the shrine was enshrined as the guardian deity of the hot springs. The shrine is listed as one of the ten shrines in the Engishiki Shinmeicho (900s), and is famous in Japan for the spiritual power of the onsen shrine.

The shrine’s status rose with the times, and in 869, the 11th year of Jougan (869), it is recorded that the shrine was conferred the fourth rank of cousin. The most famous anecdote is that during the Battle of Yashima in the Genpei War, when Yoichi Nasu shot a fan at a target, he prayed, “Namu Hachiman Daibosatsu (Great Bodhisattva Hachiman, by the way, the deity of my country, Nikko Gongen Utsunomiya, and Nasu Onsen Daimyojin)” and successfully shot through the target. For this achievement, Yoichi became the chief of Nasu County, and his reverence for the shrine deepened even further.

In the Edo period (1603-1868), Yoichi was appointed Shoichi (first rank) on June 19, 1686, a record that attests to the high status of the shrine.

Deities and Benefits

The main deity of Nasu Onsen Shrine is Ohonamuchi no Mikoto, also known as Okuninushi no Mikoto. Since he is enshrined as the guardian deity of hot springs, he is believed to bring blessings for healing illnesses and good health. In addition, the shrine is also believed to be blessed with the miraculous power to pray for victory and success in a competition, in reference to the legend of Nasu Yoichi, and is often visited by students preparing for entrance exams and sports athletes.

The shrine is also believed to offer a wide range of blessings, such as good luck in marriage, prosperous business, and family safety, and is widely worshipped not only by local residents but also by tourists.

Nasu Onsen Shrine Highlights and Features

Nasu Onsen Shrine is a charming shrine that harmonizes buildings of high historical value, a rich natural environment, and numerous power spots. The shrine welcomes visitors with a unique atmosphere that takes advantage of its location in a hot spring resort, and a sacred space where faith has lived on since ancient times.

Attractive architecture and structure

The shrine’s pavilions have a long history, reportedly donated by Yoichi Nasu after his triumphal return, and the present building retains the beauty of traditional shrine architecture. The vermilion-lacquered torii gate is a familiar symbol of Nasu Hot Spring Resort, and its beautiful appearance blends in with the landscape of the hot spring resort.

Within the precincts of the shrine, treasures such as Kaburaya arrow, toadstool arrow, and cypress fan, which are said to have been dedicated by Yoichi Nasu, are handed down, allowing visitors to feel the history of the Genpei wars close to their hearts. The carvings and decorations in the hall of worship and the main shrine are also noteworthy, with their meticulous designs showing the high skill of the craftsmen and the depth of their faith.

The Beauty of Nature and Scenery

Nasu Onsen Shrine is located in the rich natural environment of Nasu Highlands, and visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the four seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms adorn the shrine grounds, and in summer, lush green trees provide cool shade. In the fall, the mountains change colors during the foliage season, creating a magnificent view in harmony with the shrine’s vermilion-lacquered buildings.

In winter, the snow-covered precincts create a fantastic atmosphere, which, combined with the steam from the hot springs, creates a unique ambience. The view from the temple grounds, with Mt. Nasu in the background, is also magnificent, and one can feel a sacred space where nature and faith are united.

Noteworthy points of interest as a power spot

Nasu Onsen Shrine has been attracting attention as a power spot in recent years, and there are several places within the shrine grounds that are said to be particularly efficacious. The “Yamato Sazareishi” is a sacred stone that is sung in the national anthem and is believed to bring blessings for longevity and good health.

Atago Fukujinsui” is pure water that springs within the temple grounds and is said to purify the body and mind and promote good health. The sacred tree, said to be several hundred years old, is believed to be endowed with vitality and vigor due to its imposing appearance, attracting many worshippers to lay their hands on it.

These power spots are said to radiate a unique spiritual energy that is a combination of the legend of Nasu Yoichi and the spiritual power of the hot springs, attracting many visitors from within and outside of the prefecture.

Visiting Guide

Worship at Nasu Onsen Shrine is possible throughout the year, and visitors can enjoy a unique worship experience that takes advantage of the shrine’s location in a hot spring resort. Please spend a sacred time while observing the proper manners of worship at this historic shrine.

Worship Etiquette and Manners

The same manners and etiquette apply to worshipping at Nasu Onsen Shrine as at most shrines. When passing through the torii gate, bow first, and walk along the edge of the path since the center of the path is considered to be the path of the gods. At the hand- and mouth-cleansing booth, purify your body and mind in the order of left hand, right hand, and mouth, and then proceed to the shrine.

In front of the hall of worship, perform the “Nirei Ni-Beat-Ichirei” manner of worship. After paying money, bow deeply twice, clap your hands twice in front of your chest, and finally bow once in prayer. It is especially important to pray wholeheartedly when praying for victory or target practice in connection with Nasu Yoichi.

Be quiet on the temple grounds and act with consideration for other worshippers. It is important to show respect for the sacred space by taking photographs where permitted.

Annual and Seasonal Events

Various festivals and events are held throughout the year at Nasu Onsen Shrine. A special prayer service is held on New Year’s Day, attracting many worshippers. The shrine’s history and traditions can be experienced together with the local community at the annual spring festival and the autumn Thanksgiving festival.

Archery tournaments and target shooting rituals associated with Nasu Yoichi are also sometimes held, offering a special experience unique to shrines with historical backgrounds. We recommend that you contact the shrine in advance for details on special seasonal prayers and festivals.

Taking advantage of the shrine’s location in a hot spring resort, yutate rituals and other events are sometimes held, allowing visitors to observe unique rituals that cannot be experienced at other shrines.

Red Seal and Charm Information

Nasu Onsen Shrine offers red seals, which many visitors receive as a souvenir of their visit. The red seal is marked with the name of the shrine and the date of visit, and sometimes a special seal associated with the legend of Nasu Yoichi is stamped on the seal. You can bring your own red seal book or purchase one on site.

There are many types of amulets available, including those for victory, health, marriage, and traffic safety, and the target protection and victory protection associated with Yoichi Nasu are especially popular. As is typical of the god of hot springs, there is also a full lineup of health charms, and charms for healing illness and longevity are also available.

The shrine office is open from 9:00 to 16:00, and red seals and amulets are awarded during these hours. The hours may be extended during special festivals, but it is recommended to check in advance.

Access and Usage Information

Nasu Onsen Shrine is located in the center of Nasu Hot Spring Village and is accessible by both public transportation and private vehicles. It is conveniently located so that visitors can enjoy visiting the shrine in conjunction with a stroll through the hot spring resort area.

Transportation Access

By public transportation, take the Kanto Bus bound for Nasu Yumoto from JR Kuroiso Station, and arrive at the Nasu Yumoto bus stop in about 35 minutes. The bus stop is very close to the shrine, only about a 1-minute walk away, making it convenient to visit the shrine in the center of the hot spring resort area.

If coming by private car, the shrine is about 20 minutes away from the Nasu IC of the Tohoku Expressway. Since entering “Nasu Onsen Shrine” into your car navigation system may lead you to a different location, we recommend that you enter the address “182 Oaza-Yumoto, Nasu-machi, Nasu-gun, Tochigi Prefecture” directly.

When you see the grand torii gate of the shrine, park your car in the prefectural parking lot in front of the gate and walk one minute to the shrine grounds. Please be careful when driving, as the roads are narrow in some places due to its location in a hot spring resort area.

Hours of visitation and parking information

Visiting Nasu Onsen Shrine is basically free, and visitors may enter the shrine grounds 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the shrine office is open from 9:00 to 16:00, and red seals, amulets, and prayers are accepted during these hours.

There is no parking lot dedicated to the shrine, but visitors can use the prefectural parking lot in front of the torii gate. This parking lot is for tourists of the entire hot spring resort area and is also available for shrine visitors. Since many visitors come to the shrine in conjunction with a stroll through the hot spring resort, it can be crowded on holidays and during the tourist season.

There is no charge to visit the shrine, but a separate prayer fee is required if you wish to receive special prayers. Please contact the shrine directly for prayer details and fees. The phone number is 0287-76-2306.

<Address> 182 Oaza-Yumoto, Nasumachi, Nasugun, Tochigi 325-0301

Reference site

Nasu Onsen Shrine Official Website: https://nasu-yuzen.jp/