Mitsumine Jinja

Map

History & Origins

It is said to have been founded by Yamato Takeru during the reign of Emperor Keiko. In the Edo period, the 'Mitsumine-ko' confraternities spread across the Kanto and Tohoku regions, and the yamainu as divine attendants were believed to be effective against fire and thieves. The shrine preserves a distinctive religious culture in which mountain worship and Shinto are fused.

Highlights

The Zuishinmon gate, worship hall and main hall stand in a row, and the carved shrine buildings are striking. The inner shrine stands at the summit of Myohogatake (about 1,329 m), so worship can be combined with a mountain hike. The Mitsutorii triple gate and Kounkaku (the former lodging hall for pilgrims) in the grounds are also worth seeing.

Visitor Guide

The usual route is the express bus operated by Seibu Kanko Bus from Seibu-Chichibu Station, about 75 minutes to the parking lot near the summit. The bus runs five round trips daily. The grounds can be visited year-round, and a visit takes about 1-2 hours.

Best Season

Fresh greenery in spring (April-May) and autumn foliage (October-November) are especially beautiful, and worship in the clear mountain air is a highlight. On the 1st of each month, when the 'Shiroi Ki-mamori' amulet is distributed, many worshippers arrive from early morning.

Blessings

Annual Events

• April

  Reitaisai (Grand Annual Festival)

  The shrine's largest festival, held on April 8. It is performed solemnly to commemorate the founding of the shrine.

• May

  Okumiya Yamabirakisai (Inner Shrine Mountain Opening Festival)

  A mountain-opening festival for the Okumiya (at the summit of Myohogatake), held on May 3. Prayers are offered for the safety of climbers.

Travel Plan

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