Mitsumine Shrine 三峯神社
Chichibu, Saitama · Open in Google Maps
Mitsumine Shrine sits high in the mountains of Chichibu and enshrines the creator couple Izanagi and Izanami. It is one of the best-known mountain shrines in the Kantō region.
What to look for
- Its messengers are wolves, and you will see wolf statues instead of the usual guardian lions.
- The entrance gate is a rare triple torii: one large gate flanked by two smaller ones.
- The ornate buildings are richly carved and painted, surrounded by old cedar forest.
Enshrined kami
- Izanagi 伊弉諾尊
- Izanami 伊弉冉尊
What people pray for here
Warding off misfortune, purification, and protection of the home.
Etiquette
It is a long trip into the mountains and much cooler than central Tokyo, so bring a layer.
New to shrines? Read our short guide to shrine etiquette: purifying your hands, bowing and clapping, offerings, omamori and goshuin.