Isehara

Surrounded by lush and verdant nature, Isehara, in central Kanagawa, is looked over and protected by Mount Oyama which is also the town's symbol. In olden days Oyama was a popular place for people to come to and visit the shrines and temples which make up the Isehara area. This excursion even deserved a name, "Oyama-mairi" which roughly translated means Oyama worship visit.

Isehara, then, is a profoundly spiritual place which is dominated by both Shinto and Buddhist structures such as Oyama Afuri Shrine and Oyama Temple in addition to Hinata Yakushi Temple. The town also hosts a variety of festivals throughout the year such as Oyama Tofu Festival, Magatama Festival, Oyama Lantern Festival and the popular Oyama Kiku (chrysanthemum) Festival. A spiritual and vibrant community, Isehara and surrounding areas are a reflection of Japan and Kanagawa Prefecture's deep relationship with nature, people and transcendence.