Atsuta Jingu Shrine [Aichi]

【Summary】

Atsuta Jingu Shrine was founded in the 43rd year of Emperor Keiko (113), and has long been revered as a Shinto shrine. The shrine is dedicated to Atsuta no Okami, the deity of Atsuta. According to legend, Atsuta-Ookami is a deified form of Amaterasu-Omikami, a deity that appears in Japanese mythology, and is worshipped for the prosperity of the Japanese nation and the happiness of its people.

The Kusanagi no Mutsurugi, one of the three sacred weapons, is enshrined deep within the hall of worship. Atsuta Jingu Shrine, with the Kusanagi no Mutsurugi as its sacred body, is the second shrine to protect the nation after Ise Jingu Shrine. It is said that Nobunaga Oda also came to the shrine to pray for victory before going to battle in Okehazama.

【scenery】

The grounds of Atsuta Jingu are as large as four Tokyo Domes, and once inside the grounds, the air is very clean and cool, surrounded by a lot of greenery. The air is clean and cool, and there are huge sacred trees in various places, creating a sacred atmosphere.

Early in the morning (around 9:00 a.m.), there were few people and the atmosphere was quiet and solemn. You can take a short cut from the parking lot, but if you want to enjoy the atmosphere, I recommend you to go to the main shrine from the south entrance (main gate) via the approach road.

Walking from the main gate through the very spacious grounds and all the way to the back, you will see the majestic appearance of the shrine. Walking along the quiet approach in the early morning toward the hall of worship, you will be filled with a purifying air and feel the power of the Ise Jingu Shrine.

【premises】

The buildings of Atsuta Jingu are built in the Shinmei-zukuri style, a traditional Japanese architectural style. Particularly famous buildings include the main shrine, the hall of worship, and the Shinto gate. The buildings are mainly made of wood and feature beautiful roofs and carvings. The architectural style of Atsuta Jingu had a great influence on later shrine architecture.

Near the Kaguraden is a mysterious plum tree, more than 400 years old, that blooms but has never borne fruit. When I visited the shrine, it was in full bloom and I was glad to see it.

The Kusanagi Hall (Treasury of Swords) is another newly built facility, and is unique to Atsuta Shrine, which enshrines the Kusanagi Sword, one of the three sacred weapons of Japan. Although photography is not allowed on the exhibition floor, visitors can experience the weight of an actual Wakizashi or Japanese sword by holding it in their hands at the adjacent experience corner. Visitors can touch a replica of the great sword used by the Asakura family’s master swordsman, Magara, in battle, and feel its weight.

In addition, there is a restaurant where you can eat sushi noodles and other dishes in the temple grounds. Overall, this is a typical tourist spot in Nagoya with many facilities for tourists to enjoy.

【Atsuta Shrine GOSHUIN】

【Access】