Shiratori Shrine

Feel more confident in your life quest.
“Shiratori” means “white bird” or “swan.” Since ancient times, the people of Shibata-machi and Ogawara-machi worshipped swansﾑcelestial birds and messengers of gods. Many gods (kami) are being enshrined here, but the most important one is Yamato Takeru-no-mikoto-a legendary warrior, who turned into a large white bird after his death. He is a protector of all kinds of fighters, including students and entrepreneurs!

Otakayama Shrine

Get to know people of the past a little better.
Bathing in cherry blossoms, there is an ancient shrine－a place where many people have turned to have their wishes fulfilled. In the warship hall of this shrine, you can see old ema−wooden pictures containing someone’s prayers and wishes expressed in a metaphorical scene. Great warriors of old times, scenes from kabuki, swans－see how Japanese of the past expressed their desires to the gods!

Daikoji Temple

Daikoji, a 500-year-old temple in Funaoka. There is a cave behind the main hall enshrined 500 Rakan statues called "The Five Hundred Rakan". The statues are commonly believed to have been carved by a monk in the mountains during an epidemic in Funaoka while chanting sutras. Don’t miss the 200-year-old "Daikoji Ginkgo Tree", which has been certified as a natural monument of the town, you will definitely be overwhelmed by its life power.

Hanshoin (The Temple of the East)

Remind yourself that the world is a wonderful place.
Located on the bank of the Shiroishi River, Hanshoin is especially beautiful in the spring, when you can enjoy a view of the cherry trees right from the temple. There are many adorable statues in the temple, too－a 1000-year-old statue of Amida Buddha, a 16th century statue of Shakyamuni Buddha from Myanmar and a statue of boddhisattva Kannon with a lovely heart-mark on her face!

Saishoin (The Temple of the West)

Remind yourself that everything has its origin.
Tortoises carved on the Saishoin gates refer to the temple’s Sango (the name of the metaphorical site upon which the temple is located)－“a mountain of the treasure tortoise,” but they also remind us of the pond that used to be here. Visit to view the majestic garden created by the abbot of Saishoin and to pay homage to the grave of Kaijiro Takayama, who donated the cherry trees to Ogawara-machi.