Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood of Morioka, Mitsuishi Shrine centers around three sacred granite boulders bound in iron chains and shimenawa ropes. According to local legend, the mischievous demon Rasetsu was captured here and promised never to trouble villagers again, leaving his handprints pressed into the stone as an eternal vow that gave Iwate Prefecture its literal name: 'rock-hand.' Though the ancient markings have weathered away over the centuries, a historic replica plate displays the spooky imprint beside the stones. The joyful celebration that villagers held after the demon's defeat also sparked the lively tradition of Morioka's famous annual Sansa Odori festival.
- Shrines
- Folklore & Legends
- Sacred Sites
- Geological Formations
- History
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