Uncover Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, a revered non secular web site wealthy with imperial treasures, sacred deities, and genuine native delicacies.

Nestled within the coronary heart of Nagoya, Atsuta Jingu (shrine) is Japan’s second largest shrine after the Nice Shrine of Ise in Mie Prefecture. To locals, it’s also known as Atsuta-San or Atsuta-Sama and has been worshipped since historic instances, spanning over 1,900 years. Its tranquil setting allows you to escape from the town, stuffed with sacred treasures and conventional ceremonies, and the right spot to immerse your self within the wealthy cultural heritage of Japan. We’ll let every part there may be to do on this historic shrine.

The way to Get to Atsuta Shrine

From Meitetsu Nagoya Station, take the Meitetsu Line to Jingumae Station. This may take roughly 5 minutes and value 250 yen a method per particular person. From the station, stroll a few minutes to the shrine’s entrance. 

Alternatively, take the JR Tokaido Line from Nagoya Station to Atsuta Station, which is able to take roughly 10 minutes and value 200 yen a method per particular person. It’ll take 5 to 10 minutes to the shrine’s entrance by foot.

Historical past of Atsuta Shrine

Atsuta Shrine‘s historical past stretches again over 1900 years. The founding of the well-known Shinto shrine was recorded within the oldest books in Japan, the Kojiki and Nihonshoki, written in 712 AD and 720 AD. 

The sacred sword Kusanagi no Tsurugi is likely one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan. Legend has it that the god Susanoo slayed an eight-headed serpent that consumed seven daughters of a grieving household of kunitsukami (Gods of the land). He found a sword within the serpent’s fourth tail and named it Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi. After his victory, he introduced it to the Solar Goddess Amaterasu to settle an previous grievance.

Generations later, Prince Yamato used the sword, utilizing its magical powers to chop his method out of a grass hearth began by a treacherous enemy. He renamed it Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass Slicing Sword).

In the course of the forty third yr of Emperor Keiko’s reign (113 AD), Prince Yamato handed away, leaving his possessions and the sacred sword in a shrine on the house of his widow. Eight years later, these historic relics have been moved to the present location of Atsuta Shrine, which enshrines the Solar Goddess Amaterasu. Though the legendary sword is just not publicly displayed, replicas primarily based on the Kojiki and Nihonshoki can be found within the treasure home.

In the course of the Meiji Interval (1868 – 1912), the shrine was reconstructed utilizing the “Shinmei-zukuri” structure fashion, thought of one of many three most vital Japanese architectural kinds.

What to do at Atsuta Shrine

The shrine advanced covers an expansive 46 acres (190,000m²) and consists of museums, parks, auxiliary shrines, and the principle shrine. 

Strolling down the lengthy pathways, you’ll really feel the historical past of the shrine whistle all through the bushes, evoking a way of thriller but tranquility. Flanked on both aspect is a collection of buildings which can be effectively value a go to. 

Bunkaden Treasure Corridor

First is the Bunkaden Treasure Corridor, which homes roughly 4,000 historic treasures donated by the imperial household, shoguns, feudal lords, and abnormal folks. Some displayed gadgets are samurai swords, Bugaku (conventional Japanese dance) dance masks, and koshinpoh (sacred clothes, furnishings, and utensils used for the enshrined deities). Round 170 gadgets have been designated because the prefecture’s nationwide treasures or vital cultural properties.

Additionally, you will doubtless stumble throughout the unique-looking wall generally known as the Nobunaga-Bei. This uncommon and conventional Otsuchi-styled wall is created from conventional Japanese Kawara roof tiles sandwiched between cement. Its origins date again to 1560 when warlord Oda Nobunaga stopped on the shrine to wish for victory en path to the Battle of Okehazama. Following his victory, in gratitude, Oda constructed this two-meter-high, 400-meter-long wall across the shrine, which nonetheless stands immediately. 

Sacred Camphor Tree

Amongst the numerous bushes and thru the dense forest, look out for the 1000-year-old tree, Goshinboku. This sacred camphor tree is alleged to have been planted by Kukai Kobo Daishi, a well-known Buddhist priest. It’s believed that the tree emits an power, which guests can pray at to obtain a little bit of that energy.

Within the middle of the grounds is the Hongu (primary shrine). From the providing field, you can also make your prayers and get a glimpse of the central shrine. Nevertheless, like with many different shrines in Japan, you cannot truly go inside. The Solar Goddess Amaterasu and the legendary Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi are enshrined right here.

Subsequent to the shrine, you should buy an omamori (good luck attraction), omikuji (fortune paper), or ema (wishing plaque). If you’re questioning about shrine etiquette, learn our full information right here.

All year long, there are additionally a bunch of festivals across the shrine’s grounds. The most important is the Atsuta Competition, held on June fifth, which indicators summer time’s coming. It’s the most important competition in Nagoya and all of central Japan. 

All through the day, stunningly crafted moveable shrines are carried all through the grounds, together with taiko drumming, archery, avenue meals, and dancing. Talking of which, one of the crucial standard occasions is the Atsuta Kagura, a standard dance with flutes and drums that has been carried out right here for nearly 1,800 years. As evening falls, the bushes are illuminated with 365 lanterns, with the competition culminating in a spectacular fireworks show over the park.

What to eat at Atsuta Shrine

Kishimen Udon – Kusunagi Plaza & Museum

Whereas exploring the shrine’s grounds, take a second to loosen up with one among Nagoya’s native meals, kishimen udon, at Kusunagi Plaza. These are similar to udon noodles, created from wheat flour, however have a thick however flatter form. The result’s a mochi mochi texture barely chewier than common udon. 

Head to Miya Kishimen, an outside restaurant, the place you possibly can take pleasure in a heat bowl of chewy noodles whereas having fun with the park’s surroundings. They’ve totally different variations, corresponding to curry, tempura, and even a carbonara taste. I attempted their signature, 宮きしめん (Miya Kishimen), which got here with braised pork, spinach, negi, and topped with bonito flakes.

Kishimen shortly turned one among my favourite dishes in Nagoya. The noodles’ texture could be very satisfying, with a slight chew and chew. In addition they really feel lighter and simpler to eat than udon, making them an incredible dish to refuel whereas exploring the shrine. 

Apart from Kishimen Udon, you possibly can go to the memento store and museum across the plaza. Or simply sit and loosen up by the water!

Hitsumabushi – Atsuta Horaiken Jingu

Simply outdoors the south entrance of the shrine’s grounds is Horaiken, a well-liked unagi (eel) restaurant serving Hitsumabushi, one other native Nagoya basic. Horaiken has a number of branches all through the town, however the store subsequent to Atsuta is especially busy with shrine guests. Horaiken has been serving Hitsumabushi since 1873 and has even trademarked the identify! 

Hitsumabushi is a novel method of consuming unagi that developed in Nagoya. The grilled unagi is served on prime of a bowl of rice and accompanied by numerous garnishes corresponding to scallions, wasabi, and seaweed. Hitsumabushi is designed to be eaten in 4 other ways, which you’ll take a look at on our full Nagoya Meals Information! 

The lengthy traces are a testomony to how scrumptious this dish is. You by no means get bored with consuming it, as you possibly can combine and match it with all of the garnishes. The eel is crisp on the surface and tender within the center, and the sauce is sticky, salty, and subtly candy. If there may be one dish you will need to eat whereas in Nagoya, Hitsumabushi is it.

In order that’s it for our information to Atsuta Jingu! Full of historical past, stunning structure and surroundings, and scrumptious meals, it’s a must-visit throughout your journey to Nagoya!