Mitsumine Shrine

10-Feb-2025 This was our starting point for Kumotori hike so we planned to pay respects. But there was a long queue and we were already late for hike. So we just visit around and observe shrine from distance.

This places located on mountain range. Beautiful scenery awaited, can be seen from parking area. You will need to climbing a bit, but not too steep. There’s a huge old tree and greenery, making this place a good power spot to Japanese people.

This shrine is located deep in the mountains of Chichibu. There is a bus from Seibu Chichibu Station, but it is recommended to go by car. The vermilion-painted gate from the approach is impressive, and the clear, crisp air is pleasant. The main hall is also brilliantly colored and solemn. There is a legend that a wolf guided Emperor Yamato Takeru, and the guardian lions are wolves. There are two sacred trees in front of the main hall, and after visiting the main hall, it is recommended to take three deep breaths and offer a prayer.

Phenomenal shrine up high on the mountain. Can easily drive or take a bus up to the temple with large parking lot, toilets and a few options for food and drinks. Very often foggy at the top, but I preferred the moody atmosphere. I went on a Sunday in summer and it was a cool temperature with few other people. I bet in Fall though it is a leaf peeping madhouse as others have said

I have been planning a visit to this Shrine for some years and I was not disappointed. I took the first bus from Seibu Chichibu station. I arrived about 30 minutes early and I was glad because the bus was packed, but I was able to get a seat. The bus ride takes more than one hour as it winds its way up and narrow mountain road. Even on a Tuesday after a rain, many people were making the pilgrimage. The complex is extensive and impressive. Some of the carvings and paintings remind me of Nikko. So much energy and effort go into maintaining this holy place which is quite remote from everything. I had considered driving my car, but I was very glad I did not do so. Now that I have been there perhaps I would drive next time, but only if I were visiting with family or friends. I was able to explore some of the trails, but there are many more options. Words cannot describe the effect of being that high up in the mountains in such a sacred place. People refer to this as a power spot and I know exactly what they mean the one great mystery to me how to stay in lodging. The website is broken so you can’t reserve a room there. The website instructs you to call a phone number but that phone number just rings and rings. There is no recording. I thought to pop into the lodge during my visit, but I let it go because I don’t have any particular plans to stay there at this time. I guess it was just not meant to be, but perhaps in the future. The lodge itself is extensive, and appeared to be open. I am grateful for the opportunity to visit Mitsumine Shrine and encourage you to do so as well. I befriended an international traveler who was a bit confused on how to pay the bus fare in cash, but he was able to sort that out. The bus drivers are true heroes navigating that narrow Mountain Road in those large vehicles full of pilgrims. The whole operation is truly outstanding and I can see why it is one of the great features of this area. Thank you 🙏🎉😄