Sakuranomiya is a shrine located in Kyoshima at Okashiro. It holds significant importance to Okashiro Shinto, and is considered the most sacred of the three most important shrines for the Mikos,
Background[]
Pre Sakuranomiya[]
The site that would later become Sakuranomiya was originally a pool in the side of Hikaridake, a mountain of some repute on Kyoshima. In the earliest years, the locals would sometimes visit the pool to perform rites, but no one had actually dared to bathe in it or otherwise contaminate the waters. Even then, the energies that were naturally present at the site was more concentrated and pure than many other places in Akavir, making it ideal to set up an array and perform cultivation.
At some point in time, the ancestor of the present day ruling Amamiya clan would bathe within the pool and comprehend some remote mystery of the world. He emerged from the pool a changed man and it was then the Golden Divine Body, a very powerful Body Tempering method, was created. After this occurred, while the location was still a powerful spot for cultivation and purification, there was something that appeared to be missing and interest in the site dwindled over time.
Eventually, the site would be forgotten, especially when the center of culture moved to the mainland at Konohanasakuya and ancestral worship dwindled.
Establishment[]
The site that would later become Sakuranomiya would later be rediscovered when one of the Emperors sent an expedition to map the mountains of Kyoshima, after having considered moving the capital over to Kyoshima in response to the constant threat from the Ka Po Tun of Yuan Guo. The cultivators in charge of mapping the site found the natural spring on Hikaridake and noted it was conducive to cultivation. Hence, they reported their findings.
The Mikos who arrived surveyed the site and found it suitable for establishing an array for cultivation. Furthermore, they noticed the unique properties of the pool, which could remove negative energies from those who bathed in its waters. Given the nature of Miko magic, they decided to establish a new shrine at the site. The village that was close to the shrine ended up becoming an important hub to supply necessities to the Miko of Sakuranomiya.
The new shrine was named Sakuranomiya and the Emperor funded its construction. The Mikos also started moving the library of Miko techniques over to Sakuranomiya, so it wouldn't fall into the hands of the invaders if Konohanasakuya somehow fell to enemy forces.
Growth[]
The Emperors eventually moved the capital of Okashiro to Kyoshima city on Kyoshima. As Sakuranomiya was already the main shrine of Kyoshima, it would grow in prestige. Many talented female cultivators from good families that had moved to Kyoshima would start initiating as Miko in Sakuranomiya. As such, many Tsaesci cultivator families donated much to expanding and building Sakuranomiya.
With this continued support, Sakuranomiya grew in size and facilities over time, until it became one of the largest shrines in the entirety of Okashiro. Many of the Miko who studied there would later leave and marry into good families, sometimes even the royalty. Sakuranomiya therefore gained the moniker of "Institute of the Princesses" and this increased its prestige further.
Sakuranomiya eventually became the main library of Miko techniques and all Miko of high potential were sent there to train, from all over Okashiro.
Important Locations[]
Grudge Cleansing Pool[]
The site that would eventually lead to the creation of Sakuranomiya, no one knows why such a miraculous pool exists. The Grudge Cleansing Pool is located deep in Sakuranomiya's land, surrounded by cherry trees and bamboos, forming a natural spring for bathing.
The power of the pool is so great, it can cleanse even the most stubborn curses as long as one constantly returns to it to bathe until the curse is gone.
Sacred Spring[]
Another site in Sakuranomiya, this is a smaller pool than the Grudge Cleansing Pool. It is also located higher up on the slopes of Hikaridake. An entire shrine structure has been built around it to provide privacy and there are living quarters not far away from it, connected by a well lit stone path that uses night glowing pearls as lamps.
This pool has warm waters caused by thermal activity and is used to bathe every new member of the Okashiro Royal Family when they are born, as a symbolic gesture. The living quarters nearby are meant for the use of the royalty who would be bathed and their mothers, who would accompany them.
Thunder Conquering Sakura[]
A sacred tree that grows above a high ridge on Hikaridake, a path leads to it. This is the only known tree which has survived 99 lightning strikes, a consequence of its exposed position on the slopes of the mountain. The tree has thus acquired supernatural properties and appears immortal.
The location under the tree has a strong concentration of natural energies and is conducive for cultivation. The tea made from the flowers of the tree likewise have a powerful purifying effect and can aid in removing impurities from the body.