Atsuta-jingu is a Shinto shrine in southern Nagoya, known to locals as Atsuta-san. It enshrines the sun goddess Amaterasu in the form of the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of Japan's Three Sacred Treasures, and is ranked second only to Ise Jingu. The shrine sits in a forested park of about 20 hectares, so the walk from the gate to the main hall passes old trees, stone lanterns and a camphor tree more than 1,000 years old. A treasure hall and a sword museum are on the grounds. Entry is free and the shrine is open around the clock.
The sword and the shrine's origins
Atsuta-jingu is said to have been founded about 1,900 years ago, with a founding date of 113 often given. According to tradition, the sacred sword Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi was dedicated here, and that dedication is taken as the start of the shrine. The sword is one of the Three Sacred Treasures, which symbolize the imperial throne and, in legend, were given to the imperial family by Amaterasu. The shrine is mentioned in the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, Japan's early chronicles.
The enshrined deity is Atsuta-no-Okami, who is Amaterasu present in the form of the sword. The sword is kept from public view, and that is part of how the shrine is understood. Emperors, members of the imperial court and samurai have all prayed here, and people across Japan regard it as a spiritual home. The Nagoya Festival is tied to the shrine's story, and the shrine holds more than 70 festivals through the year.
Rebuilding and architecture
The shrine was originally built in the Owari-zukuri style. In 1893 it was remodeled in the Shinmei-zukuri style, the same plain wooden style used at Ise Jingu. Most of the buildings were destroyed in the Second World War. Reconstruction began in 1955 and the present buildings were completed in 1966.
The result is simple, unpainted timber under a canopy of cypress and camphor trees. The look is austere, and the setting is as much a part of the visit as the buildings.
Walking the grounds
The precinct covers about 20 hectares of forest, between the port and the city center. From the entrance, the path to the main hall is lined with old stone lanterns. Look for the huge Sakuma lantern and the Nobunaga Wall, a clay-tiled wall said to date from 1560, when Oda Nobunaga gave thanks here before a battle. A stone bridge on the grounds is described as the oldest in Nagoya.
The giant camphor tree is the best-known natural landmark. It is more than 1,000 years old and is treated as a sacred tree. Near the main hall you will also see stacked sake barrels, which breweries donate as offerings.
Smaller shrines are spread through the trees. Kiyomizu Shrine is especially popular for blessings connected with healthy skin and eyes. The grounds also hold a Noh theater and a restaurant, and a small pond lies near a noodle shop that serves the local kishimen.
In autumn the leaves add color to the paths. The wooded area gives a calm interval between visits to busier parts of Nagoya.
Treasure Hall and Kusanagi-kan
Two museums on the grounds show what the shrine has received over the centuries. The Treasure Hall, called Bunka-den, holds thousands of items given by shoguns, feudal lords and the imperial family. These include clothing, furniture, utensils, swords, Bugaku dance masks and old manuscripts, among them national treasures and important cultural properties. The exhibits are changed monthly, so the display varies from one visit to the next.
The Kusanagi-kan is a hall for swords. Many blades have been offered to the shrine because of the legend of the sacred sword, and the shrine is sometimes called a house of famous swords. If you are interested in samurai-era swords, plan time here. Check the museum schedule before you go.
Getting there and what is nearby
The shrine is in Atsuta Ward, near Jingu-mae Station on the Meitetsu Line. It is under 10 minutes from Nagoya Station by that line. Many visitors pair it with Nagoya Castle, which is in a different part of the city.
Miya kishimen, the shrine's version of Nagoya's flat wheat noodles in soup, is served at a small shop next to the grounds. It is an easy stop before or after your walk.
FAQ
Is there an entry fee for Atsuta-jingu?
No. Entry to the shrine grounds is free. The museums are separate and are not covered by this answer.
Is Atsuta-jingu open 24 hours?
Yes, the grounds are open around the clock every day. Museum hours are shorter, so check them before you go.
Can you see the Kusanagi sword?
No. The sacred sword is not shown to the public. The Kusanagi-kan and the Treasure Hall display other swords and heirlooms.
How do you get to Atsuta-jingu from Nagoya Station?
Take the Meitetsu Line, which takes under 10 minutes. The shrine is close to Jingu-mae Station.
What is the best time to visit Atsuta-jingu?
Early morning or a weekday is quieter. Autumn is good for the leaves. The first days of the new year are very crowded.
