Atsuta Jingu
Atsuta Jingu stands at the southern tip of the Atsuta Plateau in Nagoya and has been venerated since antiquity under the name Atsuta-sha. Its sacred object is the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi — one of Japan's three Imperial Regalia, the sword said to have been drawn from the tail of the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi by the god Susanoo. From the medieval period onward, Atsuta grew rapidly in political and economic stature, earning the reputation of "Japan's third great guardian shrine," ranked just behind Ise Jingu and Iwashimizu Hachimangu. Today more than two million people visit for the New Year pilgrimage alone. Beyond the main hall, the grounds hold one auxiliary shrine (betsugu), dozens of smaller attached shrines (sessha and massha), a tea house, a treasure hall, and a pavilion where the Meiji Emperor once rested. Step into this forest of old-growth camphor trees, and behind every small shrine and every gate waits a story no one has told you yet.
Japan · 50 The overlooked corners inside
The overlooked corners inside
Hakken-gu
South of the main hall stands Hakken-gu (Eight Swords Shrine), Atsuta's most important auxiliary shrine — a betsugu, meaning it operates on the same level as the main hall rather than beneath it. Like the main hall, its sacred object is the Atsuta Great Deity, enshrined in the form of the Kusanagi sword. According to tradition, in the ninth month of Wado 1 (708 CE) Empress Genmei, troubled by an earlier theft of the Kusanagi, ordered a new sword forged and dedicated it here alongside seven other swords — the founding act of Hakken-gu. A shrine built entirely for a sword tells you something essential about Atsuta's identity.
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Tosu-no-Yashiro
Near Hakken-gu stands a small shrine with a rare name: Tosu-no-Yashiro ("Shrine of Penetration"). It enshrines the nigimitama — the gentle, benevolent aspect — of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. The unusual character 徹 (tosu, "to penetrate") was explained by Atsuta ritualist Ohara Yoshiki as praising the solar virtue of Amaterasu's radiance, which "penetrates" all the way to the depths of the earth — a reading drawn from the Nihon Shoki. One character, one complete cosmology of solar light.
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Minamishingu-sha
This small hall with its vermilion pillars and white plaster walls is the only shrine building within Atsuta Jingu that still retains its painted exterior — and the only historic structure of its kind surviving on the grounds. It enshrines not a deity of the imperial lineage but Gozu Tennō, the ox-headed celestial king associated with Susanoo, venerated as a god of pestilence and protection. Its founding is placed around the year 1000 CE (Chōhō 2), during a great epidemic that swept the country during the reign of Emperor Ichijō. For the townspeople of Atsuta, the main hall was a remote, almost unapproachable presence; this down-to-earth shrine was the tutelary god they lived beside every day.
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Ichinomisaki Jinja
Walk to the far end of the Kokoro-no-Komichi (Path of the Heart), northwest of the main hall, and you reach this tranquil small shrine — yet its standing is anything but minor. Called "the first attached shrine within the palace grounds," it enshrines the aramitama — the fierce, dynamic aspect — of Amaterasu. The aramitama governs bold, active force: courage and forward energy. This mirrors Ise Jingu's practice of maintaining a separate Aramatsuri-no-Miya for the same deity. The two shrines are intimately close in function, like a loyal attendant to the main hall. The current location dates from 1893 (Meiji 26), when the shrine was moved here from an area to the southeast of the main hall.
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Shimo-Chigama Jinja
This small shrine venerates Mashikitobe-no-Mikoto. Before the Edo period it was known as Kitadayū-sha, and it originally stood outside the Chinkōmon gate of Atsuta Jingu. Its most recognized role is as a guardian deity of safe travel — the shrine sat directly beside the road used by travelers passing through, who would stop here to pray for a safe journey. If you are setting out on or returning from a trip, this is a worthwhile place to pause and bow.
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Magowakamikosha
According to the Atsuta Daijingu Sonmei Saijinki, the founding of Magowakamikosha predates… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Hisaki Mikosha
Hisaki Mikosha holds the rare distinction of a myōjin taisha — a "great shrine of manifest… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Aobusuma Jinja
Aobusuma Jinja is one of Atsuta's rare "out-of-precinct" attached shrines — not enclosed w… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Kami-Chigama Jinja (Atsuta Jingu Sessha)
Popularly known as the "Chie-no-Monju-sama" (Monju of Wisdom), this shrine is venerated fo… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Atsuta Jingu Nōgaku-den
A note before you look for it: this nō stage no longer exists. Built in 1955 (Shōwa 30) th… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Atsuta Jingu Treasure Hall
If you have any interest in Japanese swords, this is the unmissable stop at Atsuta Jingu… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Ryūei-kaku
This two-story wooden building with a hipped roof once received the Meiji Emperor in perso… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Matabei (Tea House)
The tea house known as Matabei is built around a gassho-zukuri farmhouse transplanted from… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
East Gate
The East Gate is the entrance to Atsuta Jingu closest to Meitetsu Jingūmae Station. A ston… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · map.yahoo.co.jp
Kami-Chigama Jinja
Kami-Chigama Jinja is an attached shrine within Atsuta Jingu established during the reign… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Betsugu Hakken-gu
Hakken-gu is the most important secondary shrine within Atsuta Jingu. Designated a betsugu… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · atsutajingu.or.jp · atsutajingu.or.jp
Shimizu-sha
Shimizu-sha once held a "Tomb of Yang Guifei" — the trace of a legend peculiar to Atsuta… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Ryū Jinja
According to the Atsuta Daijingu Sonmei Saijinki, Ryū Jinja (Dragon Shrine) was founded du… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Mita Jinja
According to the Atsuta Daijingu Sonmei Saijinki, Mita Jinja was founded during the reign… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org
Sakuma Lantern
At the junction of the main approach and the east approach stands one of the largest stone… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: tabi-mag.jp · tabi-mag.jp · ja.wikipedia.org
Sugawara-sha
Sugawara-sha enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, Japan's beloved patron of learning and schol… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · atsutajingu.or.jp · yuya-travellog.com
Nagoya Jinku
This stone marks the connection between the folk song Nagoya Jinku and Atsuta Jingu. By at… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: bihachi.jp · ja.wikipedia.org
Megane-no-Hi (Eyeglass Monument)
The Eyeglass Monument was erected in 1982 (Shōwa 57) by the Nagoya Eyewear Business Cooper… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: map.yahoo.co.jp · 4travel.jp
Bō-no-Te Birthplace
Bō-no-te is a traditional martial art that developed in Owari and Mikawa (present-day Aich… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · ansyobunka.jp
Kiyome Chaya
Kiyome Chaya was founded around 1785 (the Tenmei era) and is one of the longest-running re… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: gotrip.jp · juno.nagoya · kiyome.net
Bunkaden (Treasure Hall)
The Bunkaden (Cultural Hall) was completed in May 1966 (Shōwa 41) and opened to the public… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · ja.wikipedia.org · atsutajingu.or.jp
Yakko-sha
Yakko-sha ("Shrine of Eight Children") enshrines eight deities: Amenoshiho-mimi-no-Mikoto… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · yuya-travellog.com
Anegoji Jinja
Anegoji Jinja is one of the "Six Massha" (Roku Massha) of Atsuta Jingu, and enshrines Miya… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · yuya-travellog.com · atsutajingu.or.jp
Higashi Yaoyorozu Jinja
Higashi Yaoyorozu Jinja enshrines the "Gods of the Eight Million of the East" (Tōgoku-ni-m… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: yuya-travellog.com
Susanoo Jinja
Susanoo Jinja enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto and is one of the "Six Massha" of Atsuta Jingu… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · yuya-travellog.com
Hinaga Jinja
Hinaga Jinja enshrines Hinaga-no-Mikoto and is the last of the "Six Massha" of Atsuta Jing… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · yuya-travellog.com
Otoko Jinja
Otoko Jinja enshrines Otohiko-no-Muraji and is one of the "Six Massha" of Atsuta Jingu. Ot… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · yuya-travellog.com
Imahiko Jinja
Imahiko Jinja enshrines Takeinadane-no-Mikoto — the elder brother of Miyasuhime, Yamato Ta… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · yuya-travellog.com
Mikaji Jinja
Mikaji Jinja enshrines Ototachibana-hime-no-Mikoto — during Yamato Takeru's sea crossing o… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · yuya-travellog.com
Ōkuninushi-sha
Ōkuninushi-sha enshrines Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, widely known in folk custom as Daikoku-sama… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: yuya-travellog.com
Kotoshironushi-sha
Kotoshironushi-sha enshrines Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto, the popular Ebisu-sama — deity of c… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: yuya-travellog.com
Nishi Yaoyorozu Jinja
Nishi Yaoyorozu Jinja enshrines the "Gods of the Eight Million of the West" (Saigoku-ni-ma… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: yuya-travellog.com
Ōkōda Jinja
Ōkōda Jinja enshrines Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami — the divine spirit of the five grains, food… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: yuya-travellog.com
Soshimori-sha
Soshimori-sha enshrines Imori-no-Ōkami and is considered connected to Susanoo-no-Mikoto. T… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · yuya-travellog.com
East Treasure Hall (Higashi Hōden)
The East Treasure Hall (Higashi Hōden) stands on the east side of the main hall's inner pr… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · ja.wikipedia.org
West Treasure Hall (Nishi Hōden)
The West Treasure Hall (Nishi Hōden) stands on the west side of the main hall's inner prec… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · ja.wikipedia.org
Mizugaki Kita-no-Gomon (North Inner Fence Gate)
The Mizugaki Kita-no-Gomon is the north gate of the innermost fence (mizugaki) surrounding… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · atsutajingu.or.jp
Mizugaki-no-Gomon (Inner Fence South Gate)
The Mizugaki-no-Gomon is the south-facing main gate of the mizugaki — the innermost of the… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · atsutajingu.or.jp
Higashi-Waki-no-Gomon (East Wing Gate)
The Higashi-Waki-no-Gomon (East Wing Gate) is the east-side lateral gate of the middle fen… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · atsutajingu.or.jp
Nishi-Waki-no-Gomon (West Wing Gate)
The Nishi-Waki-no-Gomon (West Wing Gate) is the west-side lateral gate of the middle fence… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · atsutajingu.or.jp
Uchitama-gaki-no-Gomon (Middle Fence South Gate)
The Uchitama-gaki-no-Gomon is the south-facing gate of the Uchitama-gaki — the second (mid… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · atsutajingu.or.jp
Haiden (Worship Hall)
Atsuta Jingu's haiden (worship hall) is not a freestanding building but a compound: the So… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: atsutajingu.or.jp · ja.wikipedia.org
Yojinden
The Yojinden ("Four-Hiro Hall") stands beside the Sotama-gaki Gomon. A hiro is an ancient… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · atsutajingu.or.jp
Sotama-gaki Gomon (Outer Fence South Gate)
The Sotama-gaki Gomon is the south-facing main gate of the outermost fence (Sotama-gaki) s… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · atsutajingu.or.jp
Doyōden
The Doyōden was the original hall where the Kusanagi sword was enshrined — until the main… 🔒 Unlock the full guide
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org · 4travel.jp
FAQ
What overlooked corners are worth seeing inside Atsuta Jingu?
Hakken-gu, Tosu-no-Yashiro, Minamishingu-sha and more — 50 spots in all, each with sources and a guide in your language to read or listen to on the spot.
Is the Atsuta Jingu guide free?
The first 5 spots are free to read; the other 45 unlock with a one-time purchase (not a subscription).