Kanazana Shrine is a venerable shrine that has long been the focus of people's faith. It's unusual in that it worships Mount Omuso as its sacred mountain (shintai-zan) and doesn't have a main shrine building.
Historic Sites
Shrines and Temples
National Treasure
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Highlights
Unusual shrine without a main shrine building (honden)
Worshiping Mount Omuso as its sacred mountain (shintai-zan)
Multi-storied pagoda (tahoto), an Important Cultural Property of Japan
Kagami-iwa (Mirror Rock), a Special Natural Monument of Japan
From Honjo Station (JR East Takasaki Line) or Tanzō Station (JR East Hachiko Line), take the Asahi Bus to the "Shinjuku" bus stop. After getting off, walk east along National Route 462 from the "Shinjuku" intersection for about 20 minutes. Show route
Kanazana Shrine is located in Kamikawa-machi, Kodama-gun, in northwestern Saitama Prefecture. It's a venerable shrine that has long been the object of people's faith. Tradition holds that it was founded when Prince Yamatotakeru, during his eastern expedition, enshrined the fire-starting tool (hitauchi-gane) he received from his aunt, Princess Yamatohime, on Mount Omuso, dedicating the shrine to Amaterasu Omikami and Susanoo no Mikoto.
The most distinctive feature of Kanazana Shrine is the absence of a main shrine building (honden). It maintains the ancient form of worship, directly venerating Mount Omuso as its sacred mountain (shintai-zan) from behind the worship hall (haiden). This is a rare practice among shrines nationwide, shared by only two others: Suwa Taisha in Nagano Prefecture and Ōmiwa Shrine in Nara Prefecture.
The grounds feature a beautiful multi-storied pagoda (tahoto), designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, captivating visitors with its stunning appearance. The pagoda was donated by Abo Zenryu in 1534 (during the Tembun 3 year of the Muromachi period). It's a two-storied pagoda with a square base and a circular upper story, covered with cypress bark shingles. The pagoda itself stands 13.8 meters tall, with the finial adding another 4 meters.
Furthermore, "Kagami-iwa" (Mirror Rock) located on the middle slope of Mount Ontake, is designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan, allowing visitors to experience the rich history and natural beauty of the area. Geologically, Kagami-iwa is believed to be a slip surface formed by fault activity during the formation of the Hachioji tectonic line around 100 million years ago. The rock face is reddish-brown and polished to a sheen by strong friction.
Kanazana Shrine is situated in a tranquil location surrounded by abundant nature, providing a space for mental and physical rejuvenation away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's also known as a power spot, attracting many visitors who offer prayers and make wishes. Why not visit Kanazana Shrine to experience its history, nature, and find peace and tranquility?
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