Tucked away in the lush, nature-filled mountains of Fukushima Prefecture, Mitsuishi Shrine (三石神社) in Tadami offers a captivating escape from the typical tourist trail. Located just a short hike from Tadami Station along Japan’s picturesque Tadami Line, this historic 12th-century sanctuary is famous for its three sacred giant boulders, each carrying its own mystical blessings. Whether you are looking to cure eye ailments, boost your intellect, or perform the shrine’s famous enmusubi (matchmaking) ritual using only your thumb and pinky finger to tie a 5-yen coin, Mitsuishi Shrine promises an unforgettable spiritual adventure. In this guide, we will explore how to get to this hidden gem, what makes its rituals so unique, and why it deserves a spot on your rural Japan itinerary.
The Torii Gate and Mitsuishi Spring (縁結び 三石清水)
The hike to the three sacred boulders starts from the shrine’s aged vermilion torii gate. Around a 6-minute walk from the gate, there is a water fountain called Mitsuishi Spring (縁結び 三石清水).
The water here was chosen as one of Tadami’s Top 10 Spring Waters (只見の銘水10選). So, fill your water bottle and enjoy the delicious natural spring water!
Admittedly, we were a little unsure whether the water was safe to drink when we got there because there was no proper fountain. The mountain spring was flowing from a simple pipe, and the spring’s explanation board appeared to have fallen from its designated spot (a sign of lack of maintenance). Nevertheless, we drank it and survived, albeit with a weak digestive system!
That said, we note that the staff at Tadami Town Information Centre wasn’t so sure about drinking it. So, if you are worried, boil the water before drinking it.
The Three Sacred Boulders at Mitsuishi Shrine
If you have been to Morioka, you might wonder if the Mitsuishi Shrine in Tadami is related to the Mitsuishi Shrine (三ツ石神社) in Morioka. The answer is no; they aren’t related. The head shrine of the Mitsuishi Shrine in Tadami Town, erected in the late 12th century, is the Shirayamahime Shrine (白山比咩神社) in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Mitsuishi Shrine, located halfway up Mt. Yōgai (要害山) at an altitude of approximately 700 meters, also has three large rocks. But instead of finding the demon’s handprint on the rocks, you can get blessings from the rocks in Tadami’s Mitsuishi Shrine.
Hitotsu no Iwa Rock (一の岩)
From Mitsuishi Shrine’s torii gate, the first boulder you will encounter is called Hitotsu no Iwa. The locals put their heads into the hole in the rock near the ground to pray for greater intelligence and better head health.
Did I try? No. The hole was smaller than expected. Plus, I was afraid bugs would drop on my head. Plus, I was wearing a white jacket and didn’t want to dirty it (´▽｀*).
Namida-iwa Rock (泪岩/涙岩)
The road splits shortly after passing Hitotsu no Iwa. The road to the left leads to the second sacred boulder in the precinct. It is called Namida-iwa because water seeps from the rock, giving it the appearance of a tear. It is said that if you apply the water seeped from the rock to your eyes, it is said that eye diseases will be cured.
We were disappointed when we got there, however. The water had dried out, so we couldn’t test its effectiveness ourselves…
Enmusubi-iwa Rock (縁結び岩)
From Hitotsu no Iwa, head right at the split for the third sacred rock. As you can see in the photo, Mitsuishi Shrine’s worship hall is built beneath the boulder. This massive rock is filled with numerous small, natural holes. You will find coins are tied to the rock using a white thread.
The special string is called a koyori (a sturdy thread made of twisted paper). To perform the ritual, you are only allowed to use your thumb and little finger to tie the 5-yen coin (as the Japanese word for 5-yen, go-en, is a homophone for good fortune/relationships) through one of the small holes in the rock.
According to local belief, successfully tying the knot under these strict conditions ensures that you will be blessed with a strong, lasting connection or relationship.Thus, this rock is called Enmusubi-iwa (縁結び岩).
Tip: If you don’t have a thread to tie the 5-yen coin, stop by the Tadamimachi Information Center. You might be able to get a koyori thread (こより) for free there.
How to Get to Mitsuishi Shrine
- A return trip on the promenade from Tadami Station (只見駅) to Mitsuishi Shrine takes 40 to 60 minutes.
Wearing sneakers is highly recommended, as you will be walking on an earthen road. If you need a new pair for your Japan trip, refer to our Top 3 Comfortable Walking Shoes for Overseas Travel article for our shoes recommendations.
Discover Other Attractions in Tadami Town
If you are planning a trip along Japan’s most scenic rail route, making a stop in Tadami Town is an excellent choice for an overnight stay. Mitsuishi Shrine is just one of the many incredible hidden gems waiting to be discovered in this beautiful region.
To help you maximize your visit beyond the shrine, check out The Best Guide to What to Do in Tadami Town, which features local highlights, accommodation recommendations, and tips for exploring this peaceful rural community.
Explore the Stunning Scenery Along the Tadami Line
The journey to this hidden mountain sanctuary is an unforgettable adventure in itself. Mitsuishi Shrine is located just a short distance from Tadami Station, a major stop along the Tadami Line: The Most Picturesque JR Local Train Line. Famous for its stunning river crossings, untouched countryside scenery, and magnificent seasonal transformations, riding this iconic local train is an absolute must-do when exploring the Oku-Aizu region. Because train services are limited throughout the day, we highly recommend planning your transit around the area’s top scenic highlights.
