Atsuta Jingu Shrine

The shrine is located in the lush green forest of Atsuta, surrounded by camphor trees that are more than 1,000 years old.

Known as “Atsuta-san” since ancient times, the shrine is well known to the people and attracts about 7 million worshippers a year.

The shrine was founded in 113 B.C. The Kusanagi Sword, one of the three sacred weapons, is enshrined here, and the shrine has long been revered by the Imperial Court and warlords, and was known as the second largest shrine after the Ise Jingu Shrine.

The main hall of the shrine is inhabited by the deity Atsuta, who is regarded as the deity of the Kusanagi Sword, one of the three sacred weapons enshrined in the shrine, which enshrines Amaterasu.

It was built in the Owari-zukuri style in ancient times, but was reconstructed in the Shinmei-zukuri style in 1893.

In addition, the Treasure House exhibits votive objects donated by believers from all over Japan, including the imperial family. There are more than 6,000 items, many of which are designated as valuable cultural properties.

On display are swords, ancient sacred treasures, a collection of bugaku masks, a chrysanthemum maki-e handbasket, an Atsuta copy of the Chronicles of Japan, a gush of the Lotus Sutra, and other treasures that should not be missed.

About 60 festivals and 10 special rituals are held annually.

In the shrine garden, a variety of trees such as camphor, zelkova, oak, shii, muku, ginkgo, and kurogane-mochi provide a beautiful seasonal view.

Just walking along the approach to the shrine, you will feel as if you are surrounded by clean air and your mind is purified.

Three sacred treasures: Kusanagi no Shinken (Sword of Kusanagi)

The Kusanagi Sword is the sword that emerged from the tail of the eight-forked serpent and is officially called the Ama-no-Murakumo Sword. This sacred sword was given to Takemikoto as a sign of succession to the Imperial Throne.

It was given the name “Kusanagi no Shinken” (literally, “the grass cleaving sword”) because when he was attacked by bandits, he escaped the attack by cleaving the grass.

Nihon no Musunon eventually died at a place said to be located in the current Hijozan, Odaka-cho, Midori-ku, Nagoya City.

He was later enthroned in Atsuta by his consort, Miyasumo no Ehime no Mikoto, which is believed to be the founding of Atsuta Jingu Shrine. Since then, Atsuta Jingu has been revered as a shrine for the protection of the nation.