Hello!

This time, I went to Air Shrine in Asahi Town, Yamagata Prefecture, a very rare shrine in the world where the air itself is enshrined as a sacred object.
Air Shrine is a popular mystical shrine where you can take photos that look great on social media.

In this article, we will introduce in detail the characteristics of Air Shrine, how to worship there, and the appeal of the approach to the shrine, so please read on.

Where is Air Shrine? How to get there

Air Shrine is located in Asahi Town, Yamagata Prefecture, an area blessed with abundant nature, including the Asahi Mountain Range, known as the Tohoku Alps.

From the parking lot of Air Shrine, follow the path surrounded by beech forest and you will arrive in about 10 minutes on foot.
What awaits you at the end of the road is a mystical place surrounded by a quiet beech forest, a special space that will put your mind at ease just by visiting.

It is closed during the winter (late November to mid-April), so please avoid visiting during this time.

• Address: 745-1 Shirakura, Asahi-machi, Nishimurayama-gun, Yamagata Prefecture (inside Asahi Nature Park)
• Access: About 40 minutes by car from JR Aterazawa Line “Aterazawa Station”
• Parking: Approximately 20 cars at the entrance to the shrine, approximately 800 cars within the Asahi Nature View site (free)
• Visiting hours: All day (closed in winter)
• Closed: Winter (late November to mid-April)
• Price: Free
• For inquiries, please contact Asahi Town Tourism Association at 0237-67-2134.
• Official site: https://asahimachi-kanko.jp/

Is the main hall of Kuuki Shrine located underground? The sacred space created by mirrors is an attraction.

Air Shrine is a shrine located within the grounds of the Asahi Nature Resort in Asahi Town, Yamagata Prefecture, and is a rare spot worldwide where air itself is enshrined as a sacred object.
na
This shrine, which was built in 1990, has a 5-meter square stainless steel mirror panel installed on the ground that reflects the surrounding nature and sky, creating a sacred space.

Below that, three meters underground, the actual main shrine is quietly enshrined.
The main hall is usually closed to the public, but is open to the public once a year during the Air Festival.

The main hall is usually closed to the public, but is open to the public once a year during the Air Festival.
The design, which blends in with the surrounding beech forest, is also impressive.

Depending on the season, the shrine is lit up at night and events such as the “Photogenic Light-up of Air Shrine” are held.
In 2025, the event will be held from June 7th to August 31st, from 7pm to 9pm.
Photogenic Light-up at Air Shrine “Air Forest Heartpia: Sound and Light” / Asahi Town Homepage

The charm of the path to the shrine and the approach

From the parking lot, it’s about a 5-10 minute walk along a well-maintained mountain path.

Along the approach to the shrine, there are stone monuments placed at various points that represent the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
Each one is shaped in accordance with a particular concept, allowing you to walk quietly while experiencing a sense of unity with nature.

The mystical atmosphere is especially enhanced in the mornings and evenings when light shines through, making it a great spot for taking photos!

There are also benches set up along the approach to the shrine, so why not take a break and calm your mind in the natural surroundings?

What is the unique way to worship at Air Shrine?

There is a unique way to worship at Air Shrine.

1. Two deep bows
2. Clap four times while chanting “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter” in your mind.
3. Raise your palms inward to the sky and express gratitude to the air and nature.
4. One last deep bow

After I finished praying, I felt a strange sense of peace in my heart.
In a space free from noise, you can spend quiet time facing yourself and nature.

There is also an offering box, so it is a good idea to bring some coins with you when you visit.

The annual “Air Festival” is also a must-see

Every year on June 5th, the day is designated as “Air Day,” and the “Air Festival” is held at Air Shrine.
On this day, the underground main hall, which is normally closed to the public, is opened to the public, and special goshuin stamps are distributed and shrine maiden dances are performed, creating an even more mystical and solemn atmosphere.
We recommend visiting during this time.

Summary

Air Shrine is a very unique shrine that faces nature and gives thanks to the invisible presence of air.
Spending time calming your mind in the quiet beech forest is truly a moment of relaxation.

If you have the opportunity to visit Asahi Town, Yamagata Prefecture, be sure to stop by.
You are sure to have a memorable worship experience in a beautiful space that blends in with nature.

For more information on Asahi Nature View, click here