Atsuta Shrine, Nagoya (must see)

Atsuta Shrine is one of the most revered Shinto shrines in the country. Traditionally believed to have been established during the reign of Emperor Keikō (71-130), the shrine is commonly known as Atsuta-Sama or simply Miya. It holds a special place in Japanese culture, ranking alongside the Great Shrine of Ise in its historical and religious significance. Covering a sprawling 200,000 square meters, the shrine complex attracts over 9 million visitors annually, reflecting its deep-rooted importance in Japanese spirituality and heritage.

The Kojiki, one of Japan’s oldest chronicles, recounts that Atsuta Shrine was originally founded to enshrine the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, a legendary sword with significant mythological value. According to tradition, the sword was among the possessions of Yamato Takeru, a prince who died in the 43rd year of Emperor Keiko’s reign. Following his death, his widow created a shrine at her home to honor his memory, and later, these relics, including the sacred sword, were transferred to the present location of Atsuta Shrine.

From 1872 to 1946, Atsuta Shrine was designated a Kanpei-taisha, the highest rank of government-supported shrines. The shrine’s maintenance and development were funded by numerous benefactors, including notable figures from the Sengoku period such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the Tokugawa shogunate. Among the shrine's treasures is the Bunkaden, or treasure hall, which houses over 4,000 relics, including 174 Important Cultural Properties and a dagger recognized as a National Treasure of Japan. The collection also features an array of donated swords, mirrors, and Bugaku masks, offering a glimpse into ancient Japanese court dances and ceremonial practices.