* Image is for illustrative purposes only.Atsuta Shrine
熱田神宮
Overview
Shrine Overview
One of Japan's foremost ancient shrines, founded over 1,900 years ago, Atsuta Shrine enshrines the Kusanagi no Tsurugi—one of the Three Imperial Regalia—as its sacred object. According to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, the Kusanagi is the divine sword that emerged from the tail of the eight-headed serpent (Yamata no Orochi) when slain by Susanoo no Mikoto, and is said in legend to have been carried by Yamato Takeru no Mikoto on his eastern campaign. The Kusanagi itself rests deep within the innermost sanctuary, revered as so sacred that even the Emperor is not permitted to behold it; its very existence establishes Atsuta Shrine as the sacred ground of the Japanese sword.
Divine Sword and Legend
The treasure hall houses numerous fine blades and sword fittings donated by warriors and nobility throughout the centuries. The National Treasure tantō inscribed "Raikusatoshi, Shōwa 5 [1316], eleventh month" is a signed and dated masterwork by Raikusatoshi, the preeminent master of the Rai school—a first-rate piece that exemplifies the high skill of its maker. Multiple Important Cultural Property swords are also held, making Atsuta Shrine's blade collection one of Japan's largest institutional assemblages. Beyond the swords, ancient bronze mirrors, bugaku masks, paintings, and other artifacts are displayed, allowing visitors to experience the shrine's vast historical continuity.
Treasure Hall
The grounds, spanning approximately 190,000 square meters, are enveloped by a vast sacred forest, where ancient camphor trees over a thousand years old emanate an air of serene tranquility. Notable sights include the Nobunaga Wall (an earthen fortification said to have been donated by Oda Nobunaga in gratitude for victory at the Battle of Okehazama), the subsidiary shrine Yatsutsurugi no Miya, and Shimizu Shrine. Though located in central Nagoya, stepping within the sacred precinct transports one to a hallowed realm where the city's clamor seems utterly removed. To visit the treasure hall after worship, contemplating the Kusanagi legend while viewing the donated blades, is to experience in its deepest sense the sacred union of the Japanese sword and Shinto—a truly singular pilgrimage.
Faith and Culture
Within the grounds is a renowned restaurant serving miya kishimen, allowing visitors to enjoy traditional local cuisine after worship. The surrounding area is dotted with celebrated restaurants specializing in hitsumabushi, a beloved Nagoya delicacy.
Highlights
- Kusanagi no Tsurugi (Sacred Object, Not on Public Display)—One of the Three Imperial Regalia. Legend holds that Susanoo no Mikoto obtained this divine blade from the tail of the eight-headed serpent, which Yamato Takeru no Mikoto later carried on his eastern conquest. Revered as so sacred that even emperors are not permitted to view it.
- National Treasure tantō inscribed 'Raikusatoshi, Shōwa 5 [1316], eleventh month'—A masterwork signed and dated by Raikusatoshi, the foremost craftsman of the Rai school. A premier piece embodying the technical prowess and aesthetic refinement of the late-Kamakura Yamashiro tradition.
- Treasure Hall Donation Blade Collection—A vast assembly of fine blades and sword fittings donated by warriors and nobility throughout the ages. One of Japan's largest sword collections held by any shrine.
- Historical Sites on the Grounds—The Nobunaga Wall (donated in gratitude for victory at the Battle of Okehazama), ancient camphor trees over a thousand years old, the subsidiary shrine Yatsutsurugi no Miya, the Shimizu Shrine, and more. The approximately 190,000-square-meter sacred precinct forms a hallowed space seemingly removed from the urban center.
- The Profound Union of Sword and Shrine—A singular spiritual encounter: contemplating the Kusanagi legend while viewing the donated blades, one experiences the deep bond between the Japanese sword and Shinto in a way found nowhere else.
* Opening hours and exhibitions are subject to change. Please check the official website before visiting.