About
In the heart of Iwate Prefecture, nestled within the city of Morioka, lies a place where the veil between the tangible and the ethereal seems to thin—a place known as Mitsuishi, or "Three Stones." Here, nature's artistry and ancient legend intertwine, creating a landscape that whispers tales of yore to those who tread its sacred grounds.
As one approaches, the first sight to greet the traveler is a trio of colossal rocks, standing sentinel amidst the verdant embrace of the surrounding forest. These stones, weathered by time and elements, exude an aura of solemnity and mystery. Their surfaces, adorned with patches of moss and lichen, bear the marks of countless seasons, each telling its own silent story.
The air is thick with the scent of pine and earth, a fragrant reminder of the untamed beauty that envelops this place. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, casting dappled patterns upon the forest floor, where ferns and wildflowers thrive in the gentle light. The rustling of leaves and the distant call of a cuckoo add a melodic backdrop to the scene, enhancing the sense of serenity that pervades the area.
Yet, amidst this natural splendor, there exists an element that stirs the imagination—a legend that has been passed down through generations. It is said that long ago, a formidable oni, a demon of Japanese folklore, terrorized the local villages. The people, desperate for salvation, prayed fervently to the deities for deliverance. In response, the gods commanded the oni to leave, but not before it left a mark—a handprint—upon one of the three stones as a testament to its departure and a warning to others of its kind.
This "Oni no Tegata," or "Demon's Handprint," is believed to be imprinted upon the surface of one of these massive rocks. Visitors often find themselves drawn to the stone, tracing the contours of the alleged handprint with their fingers, feeling the cool, rough texture beneath their touch. Whether the mark is a natural formation or the result of ancient artistry, it serves as a tangible connection to the myth that permeates the area.
The legend doesn't end there. It is also recounted that the oni's departure was so forceful that it left behind footprints, now visible as depressions in the earth nearby. These indentations, filled with rainwater and reflecting the sky above, add another layer to the mystical ambiance of Mitsuishi. They stand as silent reminders of the tale, inviting visitors to ponder the thin line between myth and reality.
Local traditions have embraced this legend, and the area has become a site of reverence and curiosity. Festivals are held, where the story of the oni is retold through dance and song, ensuring that the tale remains alive in the hearts of the community. Artisans craft souvenirs depicting the three stones and the demon's handprint, allowing visitors to carry a piece of the legend with them.
As dusk approaches, the setting sun casts a golden glow upon the stones, and the shadows lengthen, adding a touch of the surreal to the landscape. The forest seems to hold its breath, and the whispers of the past grow louder, inviting those present to listen closely. In this moment, standing before the Three Stones, one can't help but feel the weight of history and the enduring power of storytelling that binds humanity to the land and to each other.
Mitsuishi is more than just a geographical location; it is a tapestry woven with threads of nature, legend, and culture. It beckons the traveler to step beyond the ordinary and immerse themselves in a world where the past and present coalesce, where every stone and tree has a story to tell, and where the echoes of an ancient oni's departure still resonate in the whispers of the wind.