TOKYO

Musashi Mitake Shrine

A mountaintop center of worship for people for long time

Guarding the western border of Tokyo from evil spirits, the victors of samurai-era battles left priceless weapons and armor as offerings to the gods here for centuries.

History Nature & Outdoor Experience Temples & Shrines

Access

A Sacred Mountain Overlooking Tokyo

Mt. Mitake looks over the expanse of the Kanto Plain, now covered by the dense Tokyo metropolis. When samurai began worshiping here in the Kamakura period (1185–1333), however, Musashi Mitake Shrine faced the Kamakura area where the Shogunate was located. The mountain deity smiled on many warriors who came here, and after a victorious battle, the same warriors returned bearing offerings of weapons and armors to Musashi Mitake Shrine in gratitude. The shrine consists of three main structures: the large shrine gate at the foot of the stairway, the main building at the top, and just below it, the treasure hall, displaying many of the fantastic items left here by warriors during Japan’s feudal age. Many of these items have been recognized as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

You can ascend the steep mountain on foot or by cable car, with the latter option taking just six minutes with stunning views on the way up. From the cable car station, the approach to the shrine has changed little over the past few centuries. Narrow streets are lined with traditional shops, restaurants and minshuku inns, used by pilgrims and travelers who want to enjoy the incredible sunrise over Tokyo from the mountaintop.

Natural Beauty and Hiking Trails in Tokyo

Visitors looking for an escape from the bustle of the city will find it on top of Mt. Mitake. The area is rich with hiking trails that link other mountains of this range stretching from western Tokyo up through Saitama prefecture. A favorite hiking destination within an hour of the shrine is the Rock Garden, a narrow forested valley with mossy rocks and waterfalls plucked straight from a Ghibli animated film. You’ll soon forget that you never left Tokyo’s city limits as you lose yourself in the natural beauty of the mountains.

Access to Musashi Mitake Shrine

Take a train to JR Mitake Station and catch a bus to the Cable-shita bus stop. From here, take the Mitake Tozan Railway cable car up the mountain, then walk the remaining 25 minutes to the shrine.

Address

176 Mitakesan, Ome City, Tokyo 198-0175

Contact

Tel: +81 428-78-8500

Business hours

09:00 - 16:00

WEB site

http://musashimitakejinja.jp/homotsu_multilingual/en/en-top.html