⛩️ Atsuta Shrine熱田神宮

It is said that around the year 1900, one of Japan's three sacred treasures, the "Kusanagi no Tsurugi" (草薙神劍), was enshrined here, marking the beginning of this shrine. The so-called three sacred treasures of Japan come from Japanese mythology and are said to be three treasures bestowed upon the Emperor by the sun goddess Amaterasu, serving as symbols of imperial succession. In addition to the main shrine, there are 45 other shrines within the precincts, including auxiliary shrines, prayer halls, and subsidiary shrines. For instance, the Kamishima Shrine is known for its ema (votive tablets) dedicated to wishes for success and academic achievements, while the Kusu no Mikoto Shrine is popular among female worshippers due to its association with the deity of safe childbirth. Furthermore, Atsuta Jingu is famous for its devout faith among the warlords of the Sengoku period. Notably, Oda Nobunaga visited this place before the Battle of Okehazama to pray for victory. Later, as a gesture of gratitude for his military success, he built an earthen wall at Atsuta Jingu, which still stands in front of the main shrine today. The treasure hall, which houses many precious cultural assets and documents, is also one of the highlights of Atsuta Jingu. It features a special collection of sword artifacts, led by the national treasure Kunitsuna. In addition, the hall contains over 6,000 cultural properties, including masks used in ceremonial dance rituals, which are exhibited on a rotating monthly basis. Moreover, the newly established sword exhibition hall, known as "Kusanagi-kan" (剣之宝庫 草薙館), showcases approximately 450 swords, ranging from national treasures and important cultural properties to sacred swords that have been worshipped since ancient times. Additionally, around the "Minami Shin Pond" within the precincts, there is a "Kusanagi Plaza," which features a restaurant where visitors can taste Nagoya's famous dish, "Gomoku Men" (碁子麺).

The shrine that enshrines one of Japan's three sacred treasures, the "Kusanagi no Tsurugi." The "Treasury Museum" and the "Kusanagi Sword Repository" house many precious ceremonial swords and divine blades, making them well worth a visit. It is a place of faith for the Warring States warriors, led by Oda Nobunaga. Just strolling through the vast and lush grounds of the shrine can make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.