Ogashira Shrine and Imose Falls

A little ways from the hustle and bustle of Hiroshima city lies a quaint little area called Hatsukaichi. There, you can find a hidden waterfall called Imose Falls and a lovely little shrine called Ogashira Shrine.

Ogashira shrine (大頭神社) was said to be built in the 11th year of Empress Suiko and it was built to be a branch of the more famous Itsukushima Shrine.

Festivals at Ogashira Shrine

In the past, old Shinto festivals such as the “Crow Festival” and the “Farewell to Four Crows” ceremony took place here.

Now, the locals hold the “Farewell to Four Crows” festival on the 28th day of the 9th month
of the lunar calendar.

The story goes that four divine crows of Itsukushima flew in to visit the shrine. When the birds visited, the villagers held an Otogi-shiki ceremony (a ceremony to make offerings to the divine crows). After the ceremony, legend has it that the crows wait on Mount Misen in Itsukushima to enjoy next year’s festival. Because of this, people have called Ono “Betsu no Sato” since ancient times.

A fall festival is also held on the 4th Sunday of October.

Nowadays, the shrine is said to be an auspicious place to be married. Couples that marry at this shrine will be fortunate.

The shrine is connected through a trail that includes Imose falls and Mt. Kyogoyasan. Many people pray at the shrine here before they begin their way up the mountain.

By the way, you can get really close to the waterfall and it is a generally quiet place with few visitors.

I think it is a good place to relax and spend time with your loved ones.