Atago Shrine [Yoshika-cho, Kanoashi]

A shrine with a towering 1,000-year-old cedar tree where Iwami Kagura was performed

The next heritage site, Atago Shrine, is located in the quiet of the middle of a forest and is included in the cultural properties of Japan’s Heritage “A mythical world where gods and demons are alive - Kagura, passed down through the generations in Iwami.”

Atago Shrine is well known for its huge cedar, which is said to be over 1,000 years old, as well as several other giant trees.

As Miwa Ishihara climbed the dozens of steep stone steps, looking up at the huge trees on either side of her, she was warmly welcomed by Mr. Iwakura, the Shinto priest of the shrine.

Historic Atago Shrine is dedicated to the god of fire. In the past, many people came all the way from neighboring Yamaguchi Prefecture to pray for a good harvest and to ward off insects.

“In the old days, dedicated Kagura dances were performed in this shrine throughout the night. Unfortunately, in recent years, the trend in depopulation means that Kagura has gone away.”

Mr. Iwakura looked a little sad as he recalled the lively atmosphere of the past.

Mr. Iwakura looked a little sad as he recalled the lively atmosphere of the past.

As we were leaving, Miwa asked, “I was impressed by the low hanging middle of the shimenawa (holy straw rope) when I passed through the torii. What does this mean?”

He said, “Oh, it means that the middle of the path is the path of the gods, so you should walk on the right or left side and not walk in the middle.”

Hearing this, Miwa was surprised.

“I see. The message to avoid walking in the middle of the path is not communicated by words, but in how the shimenawa is hung. Indeed, I naturally walked away from the center of the path.”

The beautiful spirit of the Japanese people—who express their respect for the gods not in words but in form, while gently conveying a message indirectly—is also expressed in this manner.