Mizuwake Shrine is located in the western part of Shiwa Town, at the Azumane foothills of the Ou Mountains. The name “Mizuwake” means “a place where water flows from the mountains and divides,” and it has been cherished by people as a place where pristine water has been flowing since ancient times. Believed to have been established in 1624, the shrine enshrines the goddess from Japanese mythology who governs water.

[Deity Enshrined]
Mizuhanome-no-Mikoto（水波能売命）: The guardian deity of water, wells, and irrigation water.

In this region, there are two shrines, “Shiwafuruinari Shrine” and “Shiwa Inari Shrine,” located side by side, which have been watching over the local community together for a long time. Although the exact founding dates are unclear, it is said that they were already established during the Heian period (794-1185). One unique feature that makes them famous nationwide is the presence of a “white fox mummy,” which is unparalleled in other parts of the country.

This is the oldest brewery in Iwate Prefecture and the birthplace of Japan’s largest group of sake brewers, the “Nanbu Toji.” Its 350-year history began when Gonbei Murai, a member of the influential “Omi merchant”, chose this location. The history, recognized by their acknowledgment of the natural power of this land for cultivating crops, is one of Shiwa Town’s proud legacies.

Furthermore, sake brewing and Shinto rituals share an inseparable and vital relationship. From the history of the brewery, which has earnestly engaged in sake brewing in the land of Shiwa, chosen for its abundance of water and nature, you can sense the interplay of rituals, water, and people. Take a guided tour by Mr. Gen Sato, the head of the brewery, and receive the sake dedicated to the next shrine.

Established in the year 1057, this shrine boasts a millennium of history and is one of the most prominent shrines in the Tohoku region. Locally known as “Oinari-san,” it is dearly cherished by the community. Enshrining three deities with divine virtues relevant to various aspects of life, the shrine has garnered the respect and admiration of the people. Perform a formal visit to the shrine and dedicate the sake acquired earlier to the deities.

After the visit, let the shrine priests guide you through the precincts, where you can explore the main hall, witness the sacred tree, a massive cedar with an estimated age of 1200 years, and the famous statue of “Chipped-ear Inari” said to have chipped its ears during a water dispute.

[Deity Enshrined]
Ugano-mitama-no-Okami（宇迦之御魂大神）: Guardian deity of daily life, including clothing, food, and shelter.
Sarutahiko-no-Okami（猿田彦大神）: Guardian deity of traffic safety and the land.
Omiya-no-me-no-Okami（大宮能売大神）: Deity of amiability, fostering harmony within families, and protecting businesses, ensuring prosperity.

After fully experiencing the nature and history of Shiwa, please enjoy a delicious lunch using local ingredients. This time, the chef is Rena Hashimoto, a renowned chef in various places in Iwate. Along with the dishes, you’ll also have the opportunity to taste the sake from Azumamine Sake Brewery that you visited earlier, as well as sake from other breweries born in Shiwa. Let’s savor the “deliciousness” born from the land of Shiwa in the tatami room of Shiwainari Shrine.