Owase: Shrines, Temples, and Stories from the Past

Owase tells its story in a variety of places: a large camphor tree at Owase Shrine, guardian figures at the gate of Kongoji Temple, and signposts along a former pilgrimage route give the city tangible cultural points of reference. There is also a local legend, a museum of antique toys, and the annual Yaya Festival. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Owase for your trip, these different experiences may help you decide what to focus on: religious history, stories passed down through generations, or a visit timed around a particular festival?

Shrine and Temple: Large Trees and Guardian Figures

A camphor tree estimated to be about 1,000 years old stands at Owase Shrine. The shrine has close historical ties to both Ise worship and Kumano worship. The tree and these religious associations give the site several layers of history: as you explore Owase, you can focus both on a distinctive natural landmark and on the shrine’s religious history.

Kongoji Temple offers a different striking encounter with religious heritage. Niō guardian statues stand on either side of its gate. The pair dates to the early Edo period, and each figure is 3.70 meters tall. For adults and children traveling together, this precise measurement makes a vivid talking point, while the guardian figures themselves define the temple visit. The bell is also part of the temple’s history: it dates to 1755 and is the oldest temple bell in the city.

Pilgrimage History and a Local Legend

Yanohama Road preserves signposts and stone monuments from the Kumano Highway. Pilgrims once used this route. If you are interested in historic paths, you will find more here than just a road name: you can also see the surviving markers connected to its former use. The historical context is clear: the route was once a pilgrimage path, and the signposts and monuments are the features that tell its story today.

A different kind of story is associated with Sodekata Bridge. A local legend tells of two young people who met across the bay and each exchanged a sleeve as a token of their encounter. This tale offers a personal, vivid contrast to the religious figures and historic signposts. Families can share it as a story and talk about what the exchanged garment meant to the two young people.

Antique Toys and an Annual Festival

Doi Children's Living Museum uses a Western-style building and a storehouse to display antique toys. Reservations are required to visit. This is an important detail if you are planning to make the museum a fixed part of your trip. The exhibits focus on historic toys, giving the museum a different way to explore the past alongside the religious and historic sites.

The Yaya Festival at Owase Shrine is a reason to plan your visit around specific dates. It takes place annually from February 1 to 5. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, you can take these fixed annual dates into account when planning your schedule. This gives your trip a different focus from a visit centered mainly on temples, pilgrimage history, or the toy museum.

Which Holiday Rental Fits Your Planned Focus?

You can choose your holiday rental based on the personal focus you want to give your trip.

More Destinations

More destinations: Ise, Suzuka, Tsu, Kumano, Odai, Yokkaichi, Nabari, Shima.

For the main travel overview: Mie Prefecture.