Exploring Japanese Landmarks in Nishiki-e and Photographs

Oji / Asukayama

Oji was originally called Kishimura, however the Nyakuichioji no Yashiro Shrine was re-enshrined here from Kumano in Kii, founding the Oji Gongen no Yashiro Shrine, so the name was changed to Ojimura. It flourished as a resort area as a result of the presence of Oji Inari no Yashiro Shrine, and Mt. Asukayama, and a number of famous restaurants were located here including Ogiya and Ebiya. The origin of the mountain's name is from the fact that Asukamyojin no Yashiro was enshrined there. From 1720, by order of the 8th Shogun Yoshimune, approximately 1,000 cherry tree saplings, azalea, Japanese red pine, maple and other trees were planted by the Shogunate government. A large number of people visited the area as a meisho (famous place) for flower-viewing.