Asahi Town: Air Shrine] in Yamagata Prefecture, where the air is the cleanest in Japan.
- Yamagata
- Sightseeing
No. 1 in the ranking of prefectures with the cleanest air for four consecutive years
The "Air Shrine" is located in Asahimachi, Yamagata Prefecture. The air is the deity of the shrine!
On the approach to the shrine, lushly lined with beech trees, there are monuments to the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, the roots from which all things are created.
At the end of the approach, the main hall of the shrine, a large 5-meter square mirror, reflects the beauty of nature in each of the four seasons.
There is no torii gate as seen in most shrines, and the air, which is considered the sacred substance of the shrine, is contained in 12 unglazed jars in the basement of the main hall.
Looking up to the sky in V pose...!
The manner of worship is unique to the Air Shrine.
First, bow deeply twice.
Clap your hands four times while chanting "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter" with your heart.
With both palms facing inward, look up to the heavens in V pose while expressing gratitude for the air and nature.
Bow deeply once at the end.
You may be confused because it is a unique manner, but by worshipping in the correct manner, you will be able to take in the clean air of Asahimachi~!
I recommend visiting the shrine not only during the lush green summer season, but also during the fall foliage season!
Why don't you fill your stomach with the clean and delicious air of Yamagata Prefecture?
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● Location Asahimachi, Yamagata Prefecture
Access 21 min. on the Yamako Bus bound for Miyayado from JRSasawaStation, then 20 min. by cab from the last stop.
*The contents and services in this article are subject to change.