Enlist some divine protection at Shimanami's cycling shrine

Located on a hill on Innoshima Island, a short detour off the Shimanami “Blue Line” cycle route, Oyama Shrine dates back to 773 and was the guardian shrine of the Innoshima branch of the Murakami Suigun, maritime warriors who once controlled local waters during the middle ages.
 
The shrine has recently become known as a “Cyclists’ Shrine,” offering services to bless bicycles and their owners and a range of amulets and charms, which are said to provide protection on the roads of Shimanami and beyond. Cyclists love taking souvenir photos with their bicycles in front of the small shrine dedicated to Watashi, the guardian deity of traffic who is said to help build bridges between people.
 
Also within the shrine’s precincts is Mimigo Shrine, dedicated to the god in charge of hearing and ear health. The shrine is decorated with two large ears and is surrounded by the many turban shells (thought to resemble ears) offered by worshipers. An “Ear Festival” is held every year in early March, during which priests pass through a giant ear.