
Mitsuishi Shrine
Mitsuishi Shrine: Home to three sacred stones bearing a demon's legendary handprints, a unique spot steeped in local folklore.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To clearly see the stones

Mitsuishi Shrine
Best Time
To clearly see the stones

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Mitsuishi Shrine: Home to three sacred stones bearing a demon's legendary handprints, a unique spot steeped in local folklore.
"A sacred site in Morioka, Iwate — famous for the 'demon's handprints' legend said to be sealed in stone. Powerful and mysterious!"

🔍 Seek the Handprints
Look closely at the large stones for the legendary demon's handprints – a fascinating detail! :mag_right:
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from City
Conveniently located and walkable from central Morioka, making it a great addition to your city tour. :walking:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Three Sacred Stones
Main shrine grounds
Three massive boulders, said to bear the handprints of a bound demon. A truly unique sight!

Demon's Handprint Legend
Informational signs at the shrine
Discover the captivating folklore of a demon's pact, sealed with a handprint on stone.

Mitsuishi Shrine Itself
Main shrine area
A small, serene shrine offering a peaceful atmosphere and a glimpse into local spiritual practices.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Unraveling the Demon's Handprint Legend
A Quick Stop in Morioka
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🔍 Seek the Handprints
Look closely at the large stones for the legendary demon's handprints – a fascinating detail! :mag_right:
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from City
Conveniently located and walkable from central Morioka, making it a great addition to your city tour. :walking:
⏱️ Short Visit Recommended
This is a small shrine; plan for about 10-15 minutes to explore and read the signs. :stopwatch:
📜 Read the Lore
Take a moment to read the signs explaining the shrine's fascinating demon folklore. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
🔍 Seek the Handprints
Look closely at the large stones for the legendary demon's handprints – a fascinating detail! :mag_right:
🚶♀️ Easy Walk from City
Conveniently located and walkable from central Morioka, making it a great addition to your city tour. :walking:
⏱️ Short Visit Recommended
This is a small shrine; plan for about 10-15 minutes to explore and read the signs. :stopwatch:
📜 Read the Lore
Take a moment to read the signs explaining the shrine's fascinating demon folklore. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mitsuishi Shrine is a charming and unique spot in Morioka, celebrated for its captivating legend of a demon's handprints sealed in three ancient stones. Visitors appreciate its easy accessibility and the mystical aura surrounding the site, though some note its small size means a brief visit is sufficient.
"A sacred site in Morioka, Iwate — famous for the “demon’s handprints” legend said to be sealed in stone. Powerful and mysterious! 👹✨"
Sazzadur Rahman
"While walking around morioka city we came across this place; 3 huge rocks which is believed that their is hand prints of demon on the rocks
The shrine is small; it’s a cute place to visit not far from iwate park
Just come if you are around the area
The story of the shrine:
"Mitsuishi" means "three stones", so the name of the shrine is derived from the three big rocks.
Long, long ago, when Mount Iwate volcano to the northwest of Morioka erupted, three big rocks were shot out from the volcano.
The people in this area believed that the Gods lived in the rocks as "God Mitsuishi".
On one occasion, a demon appeared and bullied the people.
So, the people asked God Mitsuishi for help.
The God fought off the demon and tied him to the big rocks of the God.
The demon promised never to do that again, and the God made him seal his hand print on the rock as a certificate.
Then the demon returned back to far mountain..."
Eattillyoudrop foodie
"If you want to know how the prefecture Iwate (rock 🪨 hand ✋) got its name this is the spot. See the 3 huge bolders and the demons handprint"
Ivon Robson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mitsuishi Shrine is easily accessible by foot from central Morioka. Many visitors find it a pleasant walk, especially when exploring other nearby attractions like Iwate Park. If you're arriving by taxi, you can simply ask for 'Mitsuishi Shrine' (Mitsuishi Jinja).
While the shrine itself is small, there is ample parking available in nearby lots or at adjacent shrines. This makes it convenient for those traveling by car.
Yes, Morioka has a good public transport system. You can take a bus to a stop near Iwate Park or the city center and then enjoy a short walk to the shrine. Check local bus routes for the most convenient option.
Mitsuishi Shrine is situated in Morioka city, often visited alongside other local landmarks and parks. It's a charming spot that complements a broader exploration of the area.
Many visitors enjoy walking to the shrine from Morioka's city center, taking in the local atmosphere. For a unique experience, you could even try the 'Omakase' taxi approach if you're feeling adventurous!
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no admission fee to visit Mitsuishi Shrine. It is a public site, and you can explore the grounds and see the sacred stones freely.
Mitsuishi Shrine is generally open to visitors during daylight hours. As it's an outdoor site focused on the stones and the shrine structure, there are no strict closing times, but it's best to visit when it's light out.
The shrine can be visited year-round. However, visiting during the day ensures you can clearly see the 'demon's handprints' on the stones.
Yes, photography is generally permitted at Mitsuishi Shrine. It's a great spot to capture the unique stones and the shrine's atmosphere.
There isn't a formal visitor center. However, informational signs are usually posted around the shrine, explaining the history and legends associated with the site.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is the legend of the 'demon's handprints' said to be imprinted on three large, ancient stones. These stones are the namesake of the shrine ('Mitsuishi' means 'three stones').
Most visitors spend around 10 to 15 minutes at Mitsuishi Shrine. It's a compact site, perfect for a quick stop to appreciate the folklore and the unique stones.
Restroom facilities are not typically available directly at the shrine itself. It's advisable to use facilities in nearby parks or public areas before or after your visit.
The three stones are believed to be where a demon was bound by a god, forced to leave his handprint as a promise never to terrorize people again. This legend is central to the shrine's identity.
Absolutely! Mitsuishi Shrine is ideal for a brief visit, making it a perfect addition to a day exploring Morioka. Its unique story and visual appeal offer a memorable experience in a short time.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo opportunity is capturing the three large stones, especially if you can find the legendary 'demon's handprints.' The shrine itself also offers a peaceful, picturesque scene.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. Avoid intrusive photography, especially if other visitors are present.
A smartphone with a good camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the essence of Mitsuishi Shrine. If you have a camera with good low-light capabilities, it can be helpful if you visit during dusk.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites in Japan to ensure peace and respect. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Daylight hours are best for clear visibility of the stones and the shrine. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting, but ensure you can still see the details of the handprints.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Encourage kids to look for the 'demon's handprints' on the stones – it turns the visit into a treasure hunt! The shrine is also conveniently located near parks, making it easy to combine with other family-friendly activities in Morioka.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
Recommendation: Combine your visit with a stroll through nearby Iwate Park or explore other temples and shrines in the vicinity. The shrine's easy accessibility from the city center makes it a seamless addition to any itinerary.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Demon's Handprints
Long ago, a fearsome demon named Rasetsu terrorized the region, preying on villagers and travelers alike. In their desperation, the people prayed to the local deity residing in the stones, known as God Mitsuishi. The god answered their pleas, engaging in a fierce battle with Rasetsu. After defeating the demon, God Mitsuishi bound him to the three sacred rocks, forcing him to swear an oath never to harm the people again. As a permanent mark of this pact, the demon was compelled to leave his handprint imprinted on the stones.
This ancient tale not only explains the shrine's name and its unique visual elements but also connects it to the broader cultural landscape of Iwate Prefecture, often associated with 'rock' and 'hand' imagery. Visitors are encouraged to read the informational signs at the shrine to fully appreciate the depth of this mystical story.
Exploring Mitsuishi Shrine and its Surroundings
While the shrine itself is modest, its charm lies in its unique story and its accessibility. It's often visited in conjunction with other nearby attractions, such as Iwate Park, which offers broader recreational opportunities and historical insights into the region. The proximity to the city center means it can be easily incorporated into a walking tour of Morioka's cultural landmarks.
For those interested in local traditions, the shrine has also been a site for cultural performances, such as the Sansa dance, which is performed to pray for health and success during festivals. This highlights the shrine's ongoing role in the community's spiritual and cultural life.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit