Atsuta Jingu: Kusanagi, Nobunaga's Wall, and New Year's Crowds
Atsuta Jingu, where Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi — one of the three imperial regalia — is enshrined, is Nagoya's guardian shrine, affectionately called 'Atsuta-san' by locals.
From ancient times the shrine drew deep reverence from the imperial court and samurai clans, with especially strong ties to Nobunaga and the Owari domain.
Here we trace its appeal through the keywords essential to any account of the jingu.
Key Terms for Understanding Atsuta Jingu
Kusanagi-no-Tsurugiくさなぎのつるぎ
A sword appearing in the mythology of Yamato Takeru's eastern campaign, traditionally enshrined as the sacred object of Atsuta Jingu. Counted among the three imperial regalia, it is intrinsically tied to the very origin of the shrine. Never seen by ordinary eyes, it is the absolute core of the jingu.
Source:熱田神宮 公式ウェブサイト
Nobunaga Wall (Nobunaga-bei)のぶながべい
A rammed-earth wall (tsuijibei) said to have been dedicated by Oda Nobunaga in gratitude after his prayers for victory at the Battle of Okehazama were answered. Constructed by compacting soil and lime with oil, it is counted among Japan's three great earthen walls alongside the Taikobei at Sanjusangendo in Kyoto.
Source:熱田神宮 公式ウェブサイト
Betsugu Hakken-guべつぐうはっけんぐう
A subsidiary shrine said to have originated in 708 (Wado 1) when a new sword was cast and enshrined, with a standing second only to the main sanctuary. Deeply revered by warrior clans — Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu are all said to have sponsored its construction or repairs — it is revered as a shrine of martial fortune.
Source:熱田神宮 公式ウェブサイト
Sessha and Massha (sub-shrines)せっしゃまっしゃ
Numerous sessha and massha are distributed around the main sanctuary, giving the precinct and its surrounding area a remarkable total of small shrines. Kamichikama Jinja, dedicated to deities of wisdom and commerce, draws independent pilgrims as a destination in its own right.
Source:熱田神宮 公式ウェブサイト
Hatsumode (New Year's pilgrimage)はつもうで
The shrine draws one of the largest New Year's crowds in the Tokai region, with over two million visitors said to arrive in the first three days of January alone. Numerous festivals are held throughout the year, beginning with the Atsuta Festival (Shobu-sai) in June, and the shrine remains the center of local religious life.
Source:熱田神宮 公式ウェブサイト
Miya-no-Watashiみやのわたし
The area beside the jingu where the landing stage of the 'Shichi-ri-no-Watashi' ferry — linking Miya-juku (Atsuta) on the old Tokaido to Kuwana across the bay — once stood. It flourished as one of the premier post stations on the Tokaido, where land and sea routes converged, and its legacy as a busy gate-town for the shrine endures.
Source:名古屋市 公式ウェブサイト
FAQ
What is the difference between Atsuta Jingu and Ise Jingu?
Both shrines are deeply connected to Amaterasu Omikami, but the manner of enshrinement differs. Whereas Ise Jingu directly enshrines Amaterasu herself, Atsuta Jingu is traditionally said to enshrine Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi — the sacred sword regarded as a mitamashiro (divine symbol) of the goddess.
What are the must-see spots inside the precinct beyond the main sanctuary?
The grounds hold giant camphor trees, the Kiyome-no-I purification spring, and the Treasure Museum, making it a shame to leave having only visited the main hall. The ancient camphor trees are especially popular photography subjects.