Atsuta Shrine
Atsuta Shrine, One Of The Most Important Shinto Shrines In Japan, In Nagoya, Said To Hold The Sacred Kusanagi Sword Among The Three Imperial Regalia, Set In A Camphor Tree Forest With A Museum Of Swords And An Udon Stall At The Gate. A Calm Forest In The City. · Nagoya, Aichi
Atsuta Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan, set in a quiet forest in southern Nagoya. By tradition it was founded about 1,900 years ago, in the year 113 - confirm - and it enshrines the Kusanagi sword, one of the Three Imperial Regalia. The sword is kept in the main hall and is never shown to the public, so do not come expecting to see it. What you see is a broad gravel approach under old camphor trees, a plain main hall rebuilt after wartime damage, a small treasure hall of swords and offerings, and a calm forest with lanterns and subsidiary shrines. A noodle stall near the south gate is known for flat kishimen noodles - confirm. The main festival is in early June. It suits history readers, people with a spare hour in Nagoya and anyone who likes a green pause in a big city. It is worth a visit, though it is a place of atmosphere rather than spectacle. Allow about 90 minutes.
1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, a short walk from Jingu-mae Station on the Meitetsu line or Atsuta-Jingu-Nishi on the subway, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
The shrine grounds are open at all hours, commonly stated as 24 hours, and entry is free - confirm. The treasure hall, the offices that sell charms and the noodle stalls keep daytime hours, commonly until about 16:30 or 17:00, with a closing day for the hall on some weekdays - confirm. Seasonal ceremonies run on set dates, with the main festival in early June - confirm. It is a short subway or Meitetsu train ride south of central Nagoya, about 10 to 15 minutes. IC cards work on the train, but cash is needed for offerings, charms and the noodle stall. Nothing normally needs booking.