Visit the hidden shrine "Arato Shrine." Also stop by "Tetta Seseragi Park," recommended for the autumn foliage season.

• Table of contents
• Arato Shrine, a hidden shrine
• The main hall is an important cultural property designated by Okayama Prefecture
• A divine approach to the shrine
• Entrance to the approach
• Tettaseseragi Park: Play by the Kawabe
• Lots of wooden play equipment!
• Recommended during autumn foliage and cherry blossom viewing seasons

Arato Shrine, a hidden shrine

We head to Arato Shrine, about two hours away from Okayama City on public roads. Head Kitakami along National Route 180, following the Takahashi River , and then take the Niimi Kawakami Line in Tetta-cho, Niimi City. Up until this point, the road is wide and easy to drive on, but passing becomes difficult on the final mountain road. After a thrilling journey along a mountain road befitting a remote area, we arrive at Arato Shrine. The shrine's well-maintained, tranquil appearance is so impressive that it's hard to believe it's in a remote area.

The main hall is an important cultural property designated by Okayama Prefecture

The main shrine is a valuable building that conveys the architectural style of the Muromachi period. Its distinctive feature is its gabled roof made of cypress bark and reeds, and the roof without a veranda is an ancient style that is rare nationwide. The construction method of using stone paving under the floor without a base is also ancient. The enshrined deities are Owatatsumi no Mikoto, Amaterasu Omikami, and 16 other deities. Upon investigation, I discovered that Owatatsumi no Mikoto is the god of the sea. This explains why Arato Shrine is considered a shrine dedicated to the god of water.

Next to the main shrine there is a small shrine, a water basin, and a storehouse, making it a well-equipped shrine. However, be aware that there are no restrooms!

A divine approach to the shrine

I walked along the approach from the Sanmon gate towards the torii gate. The rows of Oki cedar trees were an impressive sight, and the breeze blowing through the mountains felt quite cool (it was a scorching hot day, but it felt very cool). I could also hear the chirps of small Mori creatures such as crickets and Japanese bush warblers. The approach leading down from the Sanmon gate has a gentle slope. I had imagined it would be flat, so I was surprised to find it was a slope.

Looking back at the temple gate, you can see that you have come a long way, and even the climb back up will require some energy.

Finally, the large mountain gate came into view. Amaryllis flowers (foxglove) were blooming along the approach to the temple.

Entrance to the approach

The approach to the shrine leads to a torii gate on the mountain path leading to Arato Shrine, which is the entrance to the shrine. "Arato" apparently means the entrance to a mountain village. There was a large, rugged rock lying around near the entrance. Upon investigation, we discovered that Mt. Arato was a volcano that erupted over 2 million years ago.

[Arato Shrine]

Address: 917 Okayama Prefecture , Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture

TEL: 0867-94-2227

Arato Shrine | Okayama Tourism Web

Tettaseseragi Park: Play by the Kawabe

Heading north on National Route 180, turning left onto Prefectural Route 33 and then onto Prefectural Route 157, you will come to Tettaseseragi Park, which makes the most of nature. It is about a 15-minute drive from Arato Shrine. A river runs through the park, and in the summer it is visited by many parents and children who enjoy playing in the river. If you slide down the slide that uses the river's current, it will reach waist-deep. The water is shallow and the current is gentle, so even small children can enjoy it safely.

There are shallow areas downstream. The water is clean because the river is constantly flowing, and you'll be tempted to dip your feet in.

Lots of wooden play equipment!

There were also many large wooden play equipment set up, and children were seen having fun playing on the Tarzan rope.

Recommended during autumn foliage and cherry blossom viewing seasons

There is also spring play equipment installed. The cherry blossoms in spring and the autumn leaves in autumn are beautiful, and the shade under the trees is perfect for laying a sheet and eating your lunch, making this a recommended spot.

There are toilets and shower facilities in one corner of the parking lot. They are close to your car, making them a convenient location for families with children. With the autumn foliage coming up, you can enjoy the area all day long if you bring a packed lunch. Be sure to stop by Arato Shrine as well.

[Tetta Seseragi Park]

Address: 965 Okayama Prefecture, Niimi City, Okayama Prefecture

TEL: 0867-96-2111

Parking: 10 spaces