What other travelers are saying about Mitsumine Shrine
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the most notable festival is the Mitsumine Shrine Annual Festival, held on April 14th. It includes traditional ceremonies and performances, attracting many visitors.
No, entry to the shrine is free. However, donations are appreciated, and some activities or guided tours may have fees.
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.
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 usually say when you see one temple you’ve seen them all but, this temple was actually incredible. There is an insane amount of detail in the wooden carvings and the surrounding area holds much to see. You’re at the top of a mountain range looking over everything below, there are plenty of shops, local sake at the top, restaurants, and hiking trails to check out. The best part is that this shrine pays homage to the Japanese wolf.
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.
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.
