Uonuma Shrine

Overview

Uonuma Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Ojiya City, Niigata Prefecture. Tradition holds that it was founded during the reign of Emperor Sujin. Revered by the people for generations, the shrine grounds include the Amitabha Hall, designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The Amitabha Hall, a small thatched-roof building with a square three-bay plan and hogyo-style roof, was built around 1563 (the Eiroku 6 year of the Muromachi period). Inside, it houses statues of Amitabha Tathagata and Dainichi Nyorai, said to have been crafted by a blacksmith using iron sand from the Shinano River. Uonuma Shrine is also revered as a deity of business prosperity, attracting numerous worshippers. The shrine grounds also feature a Kagura hall and a monument commemorating the Russo-Japanese War, adding to the historical atmosphere. The surrounding area is rich in nature, nestled in the upper reaches of the Ota River and surrounded by mountains on three sides. A serene atmosphere of dignified calm pervades the area, offering a tranquil respite. It's a true power spot where history and nature harmoniously coexist. Uonuma Shrine is a must-visit destination when exploring Ojiya City.