Musashi Mitake Shrine

Musashi Mitake Shrine is a sacred Shinto shrine situated at an elevation of 929 meters on Mount Mitake in the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, approximately 90 minutes west of central Tokyo. The shrine's origins date back over 1,200 years to the 8th century, when it was established as a mountain worship site. Throughout the medieval period, it gained prominence among samurai warriors who venerated the shrine's deity for protection in battle. The shrine became particularly associated with the worship of wolf spirits, which were believed to guard crops and protect travelers in the mountainous regions.

The shrine complex serves as the spiritual center of Mount Mitake, a sacred peak that has been a site of yamabushi mountain ascetic practices for centuries. Musashi Mitake Shrine is dedicated to multiple deities, including Ōkuninushi, the god of nation-building, and Yamato Takeru, a legendary prince and warrior. The shrine is renowned for housing a collection of national treasures and important cultural properties, including ancient swords, armor, and religious artifacts donated by prominent historical figures. The surrounding old-growth forest and mountain environment create a mystical atmosphere that has attracted pilgrims and nature seekers for generations.

Visitors typically experience the shrine by first taking the Mount Mitake Cable Car, which ascends approximately 1.1 kilometers from Takimoto Station to Mitakesan Station in about 6 minutes. From the cable car station, a scenic 25 to 30-minute walk through the mountain village of shukubo (temple lodgings) leads to the shrine grounds. The approach passes traditional inns, shops, and stone pathways lined with cedar trees. At the shrine, visitors can observe daily rituals, purchase protective amulets, and explore the treasure hall displaying historical artifacts. Many visitors also hike the surrounding trails, including routes to the summit of Mount Mitake and to the nearby Nanayo Falls.

Access to Musashi Mitake Shrine begins with the JR Ome Line from Shinjuku Station to Ome Station, followed by a transfer to the Ome Line local train to Mitake Station, with total travel time around 90 minutes. From Mitake Station, a 10-minute bus ride connects to the cable car's lower station at Takimoto. The Mount Mitake Cable Car operates year-round with varying seasonal schedules, and a round-trip ticket costs approximately ¥1,130 for adults. There is no admission fee to enter the shrine grounds themselves, though the treasure hall requires a separate entrance fee of around ¥500. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for mountain paths and stone steps.