What is the best time to visit Mitsumine Shrine?

The shrine can be visited year-round, but the autumn season is particularly popular for its beautiful fall foliage. Winter offers a snowy landscape, adding a magical feel to the site.

How can I reach Mitsumine Shrine?

The shrine is accessible by train and bus from Tokyo. Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line to Seibu Chichibu Station, then a bus to Mitsumine Shrine. The journey takes about three hours.

Are there any special festivals at Mitsumine Shrine?

Yes, the most notable festival is the Mitsumine Shrine Annual Festival, held on April 14th. It includes traditional ceremonies and performances, attracting many visitors.

Is there an entrance fee for Mitsumine Shrine?

No, entry to the shrine is free. However, donations are appreciated, and some activities or guided tours may have fees.

Can visitors stay overnight near Mitsumine Shrine?

Yes, there is a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) near the shrine called Mitsumine Jinja Keishin-den. It offers a unique experience with hot springs and traditional meals.

A vibrant red and gold Japanese temple gate stands among tall green trees, flanked by two fox statues on stone pedestals, with intricate carvings and Japanese characters above the entrance.

A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine with red wooden walls, ornate carvings, a tiled roof, and decorative white paper streamers hanging on a rope above the entrance.

Colorful, ornate wooden carvings and detailed decorations adorn the entrance of a traditional Japanese shrine, with a wooden sign featuring kanji characters hanging at the center.

Colorful, ornate wooden architectural detail of a Japanese temple, featuring intricate patterns, geometric designs, and a vibrant dragon carving beneath a black and gold roof.

A stone fox statue sits in front of a traditional Japanese torii gate with gold accents, surrounded by lush green trees and a blue sky in the background.

Saitama

Mitsumine Shrine

4.6 (11014)Shinto ShrinePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 31, 2026

Mitsumine Shrine stands at an elevation of 1,100 meters in the mountains of Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, making it one of Japan's most dramatically situated Shinto shrines. Founded over 1,900 years ago according to legend by the mythical Prince Yamato Takeru, the shrine has served as a sacred mountain worship site throughout Japanese history. The current main hall was reconstructed in 1800 and showcases exquisite Edo-period craftsmanship with its ornate wooden carvings and colorful decorations.

The shrine is uniquely dedicated to the worship of wolves, considered divine protectors of the mountains. Pairs of wolf statues guard the grounds instead of the traditional guardian dogs found at most shrines, reflecting the extinct Japanese wolf's historical importance to the region. The shrine's spiritual significance is enhanced by its location deep within the primeval forests of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, where ancient cedar trees and mountain peaks create an atmosphere of natural reverence.

Visitors can explore the main worship hall with its elaborate gold leaf and vermilion details, walk the tranquil grounds surrounded by towering trees, and visit the small shrine museum displaying historical artifacts. The Mitsumine Shrine Museum houses cultural treasures and explains the shrine's connection to mountain asceticism and wolf worship.

A nearby hot spring bathhouse, Kōsen-no-Yu, offers visitors the chance to experience the shrine's natural spring waters. The shrine previously distributed highly sought-after white wolf amulets on the first of each month, though this practice was suspended in 2018 due to overwhelming crowds.

Access to Mitsumine Shrine requires dedication due to its remote mountain location. From Seibu-Chichibu Station, visitors can take the Seibu Kanko Bus directly to the shrine, a journey of approximately 75 minutes through winding mountain roads. The bus service is seasonal and less frequent during winter months when roads may close due to snow. Alternatively, visitors can take a bus to Ōtaki and transfer to a ropeway, though this route involves more walking.

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 494-55-0241

Website

www.mitsuminejinja.or.jp

Overview

Address

298-1 Mitsumine, Chichibu, Saitama 369-1902, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Traveler reviews

This is the second time I have visited the Mitsumine Shrine. The first time was in 2008, and this last time I had the chance to return with some of my students. Of course, there have been some changes since my first visit, but it was truly a wonderful experience to come back, especially as a Kyokushin practitioner. Visiting this place is something every practitioner should do at least once. It is where Masutatsu Oyama trained in the mountains, and there is also a memorial there dedicated to him as a tribute. Being there again for the second time, and sharing that experience with my students, was truly special. You can really feel the spirit of Kyokushin in such a powerful and beautiful place. It was an unforgettable experience. 🥋 OSU KAMAE DO Kankukan Dojo Kyokushin-kan Dojo Madrid

Kristian Gómez Gunnebring

Mar 10, 2026

A temple high up on the mountain - rather tricky and windy road to get there, but worth the while. For kyokushin karate stylists - this is where Mas Oyama held training camps and also where the memorial to was erected. Sosai Oyama made several visits to this Jinja over the course of his life and it is an important part of the history of Kyokushin Karate. The temple precincts offers opportunity for hiking and the view from the restaurant is excellent. The temple buildings is a sight to see.

Hoosain Narker

Feb 1, 2026

Accessed from the Chichibu side of Tama Kai National Park, this shrine requires navigating extremely winding, narrow mountain roads where you’ll find yourself naturally forming convoys with other vehicles for safety. Upon arrival, you’ll pay entrance and parking fees at the parking area before entering this uniquely mystical shrine. Unlike typical Inari shrines, Mitsumine is dedicated to wolves, creating a distinctive atmosphere and offering many wolf-themed items and souvenirs. The shrine is particularly famous for its powerful amulets - you can write your name and purchase specific charms, after which the shrine priests will pray for your wishes using your written name. The scenic mountain setting adds to the spiritual experience, making this a worthwhile stop if you’re exploring the Chichibu area of Tama Kai National Park.

Minwoo Kim

Jun 14, 2025

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

Iruka Desu

Sep 1, 2024

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 🙏🎉😄