Musashi Mitake Shrine [Tokyo]

【Musashi Mitake Shrine summary】

Musashi Mitake Shrine is an ancient shrine built in 90 B.C. during the reign of Emperor Sojin, located 929 meters above sea level at the top of Mt. It is said that Zao Gongen was invoked by Gyoki in 736 (Tempyo 8). Zao Gongen is the Buddha of Shugendo, a unique Japanese mountain Buddhism that does not originate in India. In 1234, Kunikane Ohnakaomi rebuilt the shrine, which had fallen into disrepair, and since then it has been known as a place of ascetic practices, with many armaments dedicated to it by the samurai government and warriors of the Kanto region. The head shrine was built in 1605 with Okubo Nagayasu as the chief contractor.

【Musashi Mitake Shrine cable car】

From Takimoto Station (parking available), take the cable car for about 15 minutes to Mitakesan Station.

After a short walk from Mitakesan Station, you will see a red torii gate. From here it will be a 20-30 minute walk to the village. You will enjoy the wonderful view of the mountain as you walk to the village.

【Musashi Mitake Shrine village of monks staying at a temple or shrine】

On the way to the shrine, as many as 30 shukubo (lodging houses) still stand side by side. There are also teahouses and stores where visitors can enjoy soba (buckwheat noodles), sweets, and a variety of souvenirs.

As you proceed through the retro Showa-era atmosphere of the restaurant, you will see the third torii (gateway).

【Musashi Mitake Shrine precincts】

The third torii gate and Zuijimon Gate can be seen in front of you. If you are a first-time visitor, you may think that you are at a shrine as soon as you climb the stairs and pass through the gate, but you will have to climb more stairs from here. However, you will have to take a break on the way up and climb the stairs slowly.

Konpira Shrine [Kagawa]

There are approximately 250 stone steps from Zuijimon Gate. Along the way, there are many stone monuments commemorating the lecture and the people who contributed to the temple. The main shrine is located at the top of these steps.

The main shrine is Shinmei-zukuri. The Gongen-zukuri hall of worship and the hall of offerings stand. Shinjin is enshrined at Musashi Ontake Shrine. Shinjin is a different name for a wolf, meaning “true god” or “righteous god.

In the Treasure Hall, there are two national treasures, including a large armor of red thread veil, and many other valuable items such as armor and swords that are important cultural properties. Please stop by.

At the back of the main shrine there are various branch shrines and the Okumiya Haruwari-sho.

The former main shrine, Jouban Katabansha Shaden, was built in 1511 and is a Tangible Cultural Property designated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Standing at the top of the mountain with a great view, we were able to worship in peace and quiet.

【Musashi Mitake Shrine GOSHUIN】

Musashi Ontake Shrine red seal ink writing in red ink 500 yen (2023)　

【Musashi Mitake Shrine Access】

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