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Mitsumine Shrine

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description Mitsumine Shrine Overview

Mitsumine Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located high in the forested mountains of Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. While officially dedicated to the deities Izanagi and Izanami, it is most prominently associated with the worship of Ooguchi-no-Makami, a wolf deity historically revered as a protector against fire, theft, and misfortune. Flanking the shrine's entrance are statues of wolves rather than the traditional guardian lion-dogs. It is heavily visited by hikers and mountain worshipers seeking protective talismans featuring wolf imagery.

help Mitsumine Shrine FAQ

Where is the Mitsumine Shrine located?

Mitsumine Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located high in the forested mountains of Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. Its remote, high-altitude setting makes it a popular destination for nature-loving hikers.

What gods are worshipped at Mitsumine Shrine?

While the shrine is officially dedicated to the ancient deities Izanagi and Izanami, it is most prominently associated with the worship of Ooguchi-no-Makami. This deity is a legendary wolf historically revered for protection against fire and theft.

Why are there so many wolf statues at Mitsumine Shrine?

The shrine is famous for substituting traditional guardian dog (komainu) statues with statues of wolves. Pilgrims believe these wolves act as divine messengers who will protect travelers on their journey.

How old is Mitsumine Shrine?

The shrine boasts a long history, with its foundation believed to date back over 2,000 years to the era of the legendary Emperor Yamato Takeru. It was historically a major site for mountain asceticism (Shugendo).

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