Isehara

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.