Oyada Shrine
A serene mountain shrine famed for its breathtaking autumn foliage, offering a peaceful escape amidst vibrant momiji trees.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak autumn colors
Oyada Shrine
Best Time
Peak autumn colors
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene mountain shrine famed for its breathtaking autumn foliage, offering a peaceful escape amidst vibrant momiji trees.
"This place turns magical during the Autumn season. With trees surrounding the area, one can have a peaceful time."
🚗 Parking Fee
Parking is available for ¥300. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot!
👟 Stair or Slope Climb
Be ready for a climb! Choose stairs or a steep paved trail to reach the shrine.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Autumn Foliage Spectacle
Surrounding the shrine
Witness approximately 3,000 momiji trees transform into a breathtaking tapestry of red, orange, and yellow. A truly magical sight!
The Main Shrine Hall
At the top of the ascent
A serene and historic structure, offering a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and prayer. Look for the small shrine tucked away in the back.
Momiji Goshuin
Shrine office
During the autumn season, special momiji-themed goshuin (temple seals) are available, making for a unique souvenir.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Autumn Colors
Navigating the Ascent
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Fee
Parking is available for ¥300. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot!
👟 Stair or Slope Climb
Be ready for a climb! Choose stairs or a steep paved trail to reach the shrine.
🍁 Autumn Festival
Enjoy ritual music and food stalls during the Autumn Color Festival (early Nov-early Dec).
📸 Goshuin Collector's Item
Special momiji goshuin are offered during autumn – a unique souvenir!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fee
Parking is available for ¥300. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot!
👟 Stair or Slope Climb
Be ready for a climb! Choose stairs or a steep paved trail to reach the shrine.
🍁 Autumn Festival
Enjoy ritual music and food stalls during the Autumn Color Festival (early Nov-early Dec).
📸 Goshuin Collector's Item
Special momiji goshuin are offered during autumn – a unique souvenir!
🧘♀️ Weekday Serenity
Visit on a weekday for a more secluded and peaceful experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Oyada Shrine's breathtaking autumn foliage, describing it as a magical and serene escape. The climb is noted as a significant aspect, with options for stairs or a paved trail. While parking is available, it can fill up quickly during peak season. The special autumn festival and momiji goshuin add to the unique experience.
"The shrine has an Autumn Color Festival that is held from the beginning of November to the beginning of December and provides an opportunity to enjoy ritual music and food vendor stalls.
To reach the shrine be prepared to climb some stairs or you can take a steep paved trail on the right side of stair entrance. The path is lined with vibrant colored momiji in various shades of yellow, orange and red. The parking charge is ¥300. They offer a special momiji goshuin during the autumn season."
Annie Sobol
"This place a great autumn viewing and at that time (until 1st week of December) they also had food stalls. It was packed and parking fee was ¥300. Nice drive outside Gifu City."
Julie Lorenzo
"This place turns magical during the Autumn season. With trees surrounding the area, one can have a peaceful time. The perfect time to visit the place is early in the morning, just before sunrise especially when you plan to go on weekends."
Terrilyn Sab-it
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Oyada Shrine is located outside Gifu City. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is a common method. Parking is available for ¥300.
Yes, there is parking available for ¥300. It can get busy on weekends, especially during peak autumn season.
A scenic drive from Gifu City is recommended. The journey offers beautiful views as you approach the shrine.
The shrine is nestled in a natural setting, making it a destination for enjoying nature. Nearby areas might offer other local experiences, but the shrine itself is the primary draw.
Information on direct public transport is limited. Driving is generally the most convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no explicit mention of an entrance fee for the shrine itself. However, parking incurs a fee of ¥300.
Specific opening hours are not widely published, but it's generally accessible during daylight hours. For the best experience, consider visiting during the autumn foliage season.
No advance booking is typically required for general visits to Oyada Shrine.
The Autumn Color Festival takes place from the beginning of November to the beginning of December.
Yes, during the autumn season, you can enjoy ritual music, food vendor stalls, and special momiji goshuin.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire path leading up to the shrine, especially during autumn, is incredibly photogenic. The main hall and the surrounding momiji trees offer stunning backdrops. 
Photography is generally allowed in the outdoor areas of the shrine. Be respectful of any signage or areas where photography might be restricted.
Early morning, especially around sunrise, offers beautiful soft light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography.
You can certainly take photos of your goshuin, but it's always polite to ask permission if you're photographing someone else's or the display itself.
Absolutely! The vibrant autumn foliage is the main attraction for photographers. The contrast of the red and yellow leaves against the shrine buildings is spectacular.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Allow at least 1-2 hours to fully appreciate the shrine, including the climb, exploring the grounds, and taking photos.
The shrine requires climbing stairs or a steep paved trail, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.
It's described as a peaceful, serene, and almost magical place, especially during autumn. The natural surroundings contribute to a tranquil experience.
Information on restroom availability is not widely published. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving if possible.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential due to the climb. Dress in layers as the weather can change, and consider the season you are visiting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During the Autumn Color Festival (early November to early December), food vendor stalls are available.
The shrine is in a more secluded area. For a wider selection of dining options, you might need to travel back towards Gifu City or explore local eateries in the surrounding towns.
Picnicking is generally acceptable in many natural settings in Japan, but it's always good practice to check for any specific rules or designated areas. Be sure to clean up after yourself.
While not specific to the shrine, the Gifu region is known for dishes like Hida beef and various local soba noodles.
The festival typically features local snacks and festival foods, offering a taste of regional specialties.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the autumn festival, the presence of food stalls could be an added attraction for kids. However, the primary appeal of the shrine is its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, which might be better appreciated by older children or those who enjoy nature walks.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
+1The climb to the shrine, while requiring effort, can be a rewarding part of the journey for solo visitors, offering moments of solitude and personal achievement. The beauty of the autumn foliage, combined with the peaceful ambiance, makes it a highly recommended spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts
+1 Early morning visits are highly recommended to capture the best light and avoid crowds. The combination of the historic shrine architecture and the dramatic autumn colors provides a unique photographic subject. Don't miss the chance to capture the winding paths, the main hall, and the surrounding natural beauty. The special momiji goshuin also makes for a unique photographic subject or souvenir.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Autumn Foliage
+1To fully immerse yourself in this autumnal beauty, arriving early in the morning is highly recommended, especially on weekends. This allows you to experience the serene atmosphere before the crowds arrive and capture the best light for your photos. The gentle rustling of leaves and the crisp autumn air create a truly magical ambiance.
During the peak season, the shrine also hosts an Autumn Color Festival, complete with ritual music and food vendor stalls, adding a festive dimension to the natural beauty. Visitors can also purchase special momiji goshuin, a unique souvenir to commemorate their visit.
Ascending to Serenity
For those seeking a more secluded experience, visiting on a weekday is highly recommended. This allows for a more tranquil exploration of the shrine grounds, with fewer people around. The natural sounds of the surroundings, like the rain mentioned in one account, can enhance the sense of peace and quiet.
Upon reaching the main hall, visitors can offer a prayer and explore the area, which includes a small shrine tucked away in the back. The atmosphere is often described as sacred and calming, providing a space for reflection and connection with nature and spirituality.
Cultural Significance and Traditions
The presence of numerous small shrines and the offerings made by visitors underscore the enduring faith associated with this sacred site. The shrine is also a place where visitors can engage with traditional Japanese customs, such as offering prayers and collecting goshuin. The special momiji goshuin available during autumn are a testament to the shrine's efforts to connect with visitors through seasonal themes and artistic expression.
Beyond the immediate shrine grounds, the surrounding natural landscape plays a significant role in the visitor experience. The designation of the 'Kokei Valley' as a national natural monument highlights the ecological importance of the area and its contribution to the shrine's serene ambiance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit