Encountering a wild deer is considered lucky! The most powerful spiritual spot in the Kanto region!
🇯🇵【Chichibu】⛩️ The Most Powerful Shrine in Kanto ⛩️
Mitsumine Shrine is surrounded by mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,100 meters, located in a place where three peaks—Myohogatake, Shiraiwayama, and Kumotori—are connected. It was once a training ground for Shugendo practitioners.
Activities at the Training Ground:
· Mountain Climbing: Scaling steep cliffs and unmarked paths to reach the shrine at the summit (Okumiya).
· Waterfall Training: Purifying the body and mind by standing under cold waterfalls.
· Fasting and Sleeplessness: Cutting off desires to sharpen the spirit.
· Seclusion: Praying continuously in caves or small halls.
The belief that "mountains are sacred places where gods and Buddhas reside" has led to the strict and solemn atmosphere of Mitsumine Shrine, which is said to be imbued with the prayers and spirituality of practitioners over hundreds of years.
The Spiritual Energy of the Mountains:
· The harsh natural environment itself holds powerful energy, and many visitors feel the change in the air as soon as they step in.
· The challenging terrain enhances its status as a "sanctuary" that cannot be reached with a half-hearted mindset.
The Power of Wolves as Divine Messengers:
At Mitsumine Shrine, wolves (Okami) are enshrined as "Gokenzoku" (divine attendants) instead of the usual guardian dogs.
· Wolves are considered powerful protectors against evil spirits, disasters, fire, theft, and possession.
· Unlike other shrines that offer "healing," Mitsumine is known for "purification and protection," severing bad ties and energies while empowering those with strong will, earning its reputation as the "most powerful" shrine.
The Legend and History of Yamato Takeru:
The shrine's origin dates back to when Yamato Takeru, impressed by the beauty of the mountains and rivers during his eastern expedition, enshrined Izanagi and Izanami here.
· With a history of praying for national peace, Mitsumine Shrine is revered as a place to receive great energy for "life transformation" and "steadfast determination," attracting faith from business leaders, martial artists, politicians, and more.
⛩️ How to Worship ⛩️
1. Passing Through the Torii Gate (Three Torii):
Bow before passing through the rare "Three Torii" gate. It is customary to walk through either side rather than the center.
2. Purification at the Temizuya:
Cleanse your hands and mouth at the elaborately carved Temizuya.
* Left hand → Right hand → Rinse mouth → Left hand → Wash the ladle handle.
3. Worship at the Main Hall:
The worship method at Mitsumine Shrine follows the general "two bows, two claps, one bow" practice.
1. Quietly place your offering.
2. Bow deeply twice.
3. Clap twice at chest level.
4. Join your hands and express gratitude or wishes.
5. Bow deeply once more.
4. Special Worship Spots Unique to Mitsumine:
After worshiping at the main hall, don't forget these two spots:
· Dragon God on the Stone Pavement: Pour water on the stone pavement to reveal the red-eyed Dragon God. It is said to bring good fortune if used as a phone wallpaper.
· Sacred Tree (Chujotake Cedar): Located on both sides of the main hall, this giant tree is now protected, and visitors can "place their hands near" to receive its energy. Take deep breaths and feel the tree's power.
5. Worship from the Remote Worship Hall:
If you cannot reach the Okumiya at the summit of Myohogatake, visit the "Remote Worship Hall" in the shrine grounds. From here, you can pray to the deity at the summit while enjoying a breathtaking view of Chichibu's mountains.
……………… Access 🚃🚍🚘 …………………
Mitsumine Shrine can be accessed by public transportation (train and bus) or car. Located deep in the mountains at an altitude of 1,100 meters, planning with ample time is essential.
1. Public Transportation (Train and Bus):
It takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours from central Tokyo (Ikebukuro).
· Train 🚃: Take the Seibu Railway Limited Express Laview to "Seibu Chichibu Station" (about 80 minutes from Ikebukuro).
· Bus 🚍: Use the Seibu Kanko Bus "Mitsumine Shrine Line (M Line)."
· From Seibu Chichibu Station: About 75 minutes (950 yen for adults).
· From Mitsumineguchi Station (Chichibu Railway): About 55 minutes (690 yen for adults).
· Note: Buses run approximately once an hour, so check the latest timetable.
2. By Car 🚘:
From the Kanetsu Expressway "Hanazono IC," take Route 140 and the Minano-Yorii Bypass for about 1.5 to 2 hours.
· Parking: Use the Chichibu City Mitsumine Parking Lot (520 yen for regular cars). It is about a 10–15 minute walk from the parking lot to the main hall.
· Traffic: On weekends and holidays, parking lot congestion can lead to delays of several hours.
3. Tips and Precautions:
· Winter Preparation: Even in March, road freezing or snow is possible, so snow tires or chains are essential.
· Early Morning Visit: To avoid traffic and experience the sacred atmosphere, aim to arrive between 8–9 AM.
· Congestion Updates: Check real-time congestion at Mitsumine Parking Lot via Chichibu City's portal.
⚠️ For Drivers ⚠️
Driving is not recommended for inexperienced drivers. Mountain roads are narrow with sharp curves, and passing tour buses on single-lane roads can be daunting.
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Though reaching Mitsumine Shrine is challenging, it is a place worth visiting at least once.
The Three Great Shrines