The Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi sword is never publicly displayed, not even to the Emperor.
The shrine’s forest is home to chickens that are considered sacred messengers and are allowed to roam freely.
The outer wall, known as the Nobunaga-bei, was donated by Oda Nobunaga in 1560 to celebrate his victory at the Battle of Okehazama.
The shrine holds over 70 annual festivals, including the Atsuta Festival in June.
Many of the camphor trees on the grounds are estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
The main shrine is built in the Shinmei-zukuri style, characterized by its austere, elevated wooden structure and thatched roof.
Atsuta-jingu is a major Shinto shrine in Nagoya that houses the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the three Imperial Regalia of Japan. The shrine complex encompasses over 190,000 square meters of forested grounds, primarily composed of camphor and Japanese zelkova trees. Its primary deity is Atsuta-no-Okami, identified as the spirit of the sword Kusanagi. The current architectural layout consists of the main shrine, three auxiliary shrines, and seven sub-shrines. The shrine grounds contain a significant collection of over 6,000 national cultural artifacts, including swords, armor, and mirrors. The original shrine structures were largely destroyed during World War II air raids and subsequently reconstructed in 1955. The complex includes the Kusamagi-no-Tsurugi’s repository and the Treasure Hall, which houses historical imperial items.
The vermilion-painted arched bridge (Nijunishasansha-hashi) or the view of the main shrine gate surrounded by old-growth forest.
Walk the gravel pathways slowly to appreciate the mature forest canopy that acts as a natural sound barrier.
Visit the Treasure Hall to view historical weaponry and religious scrolls that provide context to the shrine's significance.
Refrain from taking photos of the inner sanctum where the sacred sword is enshrined.
Taking photographs inside restricted areas marked with signage; wearing revealing clothing; talking loudly near the main prayer hall.
Cleanse hands and mouth at the chozuya water pavilion before approaching the main prayer hall; bow twice, clap twice, and bow once after praying; avoid walking in the center of the path as it is reserved for the deity.
