Mitake Shrine

High on the slopes of Mount Mitake, the air crackles with a sacred energy. Here stands Mitake Shrine, a place where ancient whispers mingle with the rustling leaves. Mitake Shrine is steeped in history. It’s believed to have been founded in 90 BC by Emperor Sujin, making it one of Japan’s oldest shrines. But the story doesn’t end there. Records also show that Priest Gyōki built a hall here in 736, enshrining the Zao Gongen statue. This blend of history adds to the shrine’s mystique. The mountain itself has long been a place of worship. Its connection to the sunrise is evident in the Hinode Festival. Originally a ceremony performed by Buddhist mountain priests at the summit, this festival is thought to be over 2000 years old. Now held on May 8th, it features a vibrant procession. Shinto priests, men in white, armored warriors, and children wind their way through the village and up 300 stone steps to the main shrine. Traditional music and dance add to the atmosphere. Mitake Shrine became a haven for mountain ascetics, particularly during the Kamakura Period. They sought purification in the nearby waterfalls, Nanayo-taki and Ayashiro-no-taki. Later, commoners joined the pilgrimage, leading to the establishment of shukubo, temple lodgings. Many of these lodgings still welcome visitors today. Mitake Shrine is not just a place of worship. It’s a place of legends. Wolves, unlike their villainous portrayal in fairytales, are revered here. They are guardians, protectors. One legend tells of a demon stag leading Prince Yamato Takeru astray on the mountain. Wolves guided him back to safety, earning their status as divine guardians. Adding to the shrine’s allure is the statue of Kamakura-era warlord Shigetada Hatakeyama on horseback. The shrine also houses a national treasure: the Akaito Odoshi Yoroi, a red-thread armor dedicated by Hatakeyama in 1191. As you stand before Mitake Shrine, breathe in the mountain air, feel the weight of history, and listen for the whispers of wolves. This is more than a shrine. It is a portal to another time.