Mitsumine Shrine is a highly atmospheric mountain sanctuary located at an elevation of 1,100 meters atop Mount Mitsumine in Saitama Prefecture. Situated inside the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, it boasts an ancient history stretching back roughly 1,900 years, with legends attributing its founding to the mythical Prince Yamato Takeru. Long celebrated as a major center for mountain worship and Shugendo (mountain asceticism), this remote destination is recognized as one of the Kanto region's premier "power spots" for spiritual energy.
There's also an onsen closer to the shrine! If you can, try to look for the famous view of the mountains and Chichibu. Point out to the staff the picture that I posted of the mountains, and they can guide you.
If you're driving to Mitsumine Shrine, there's plenty of parking, but you have to pay. There's a bus near Yasudaya Hinoda (Oppori Stop) if you end up taking the bus after eating "waraji katsu". It costs ¥1,100, and it's an hour or longer ride. You can use Suica or Pasmo on the buses in Chichibu.
PS: The last bus to Chichibu leaves at 4:30 pm. If you miss it, you can try to get a taxi back to town.
The Guardian Wolves: Unlike standard Shinto shrines guarded by lion-dogs (komainu), Mitsumine is guarded by the Oinu-sama—the now-extinct Japanese mountain wolf. These wolf spirits are revered as sacred messengers that protect people from fire, theft, and general misfortune.
Rare Architecture: The entrance features a rare Mitsu-torii (triple-nested torii gate), one of only a few in all of Japan.
Vibrant Carvings: The main worship hall, built in 1800, breaks away from standard minimalist Shinto styles with its explosively colorful and intricate lacquer wood carvings depicting mythical beasts, flora, and fauna.
Natural Wonders: The grounds feature two sacred cedar trees estimated to be 800 years old, where visitors stand to absorb vital energy. On clear autumn mornings (especially in November), the Youhaiden (distant worship altar) offers breathtaking panoramic views of a sea of clouds blanketing the Chichibu valley below.
