SpotSaitama · Chichibu CityVOL.0 · 2026-W43
Mitsumine Shrine
Drive up a mountain that pilgrims once climbed on foot, about 600 m of elevation gain.
Tradition says Prince Yamato Takeru enshrined Izanagi and Izanami here, and the wolf that guided him became the shrine's messenger. The name Mitsumine, "three peaks," is said to come from three graceful mountains in a row. In 1720 a priest called Nikko Hoin spread faith in the wolf messenger, Oinu-sama, far afield. Before the motor road, pilgrims climbed about 600 m on foot from Toryu Bridge, roughly three hours.
Today you follow Route 140 toward Lake Chichibu and Futase Dam, then climb. The Chichibu Tourism Association features the leaves between the dam and the shrine and asks drivers to go slowly on the narrow, curvy city road. Broadleaf trees near the 1,102 m summit usually turn from late October to early November.
The paid lot is open 8:00–18:00. On the grounds are the Gongen-style worship hall with brightly painted carvings, the main sanctuary (a prefectural cultural property) and the Yohaiden, facing the inner shrine on Mt. Myohogatake. Winter tires are required in winter.
Highlights HIGHLIGHTS
- 01
Futase Dam to the shrine
A stretch the tourism association highlights for autumn leaves; the city road up is narrow and curvy, so drive slowly.
Source：Chichibu Tourism Association chichibuji.gr.jp - 02
Gongen-style worship hall
Decorated inside and out with brightly colored carvings; the Kasuga-style main sanctuary behind it is a prefectural cultural property.
Source：Chichibu Tourism Association chichibuji.gr.jp - 03
Yohaiden
Where worshipers face the inner shrine on the summit of Mt. Myohogatake from afar.
Source：Chichibu Tourism Association chichibuji.gr.jp
Sources and official information SOURCES
- OfficialMitsumine Shrine mitsuminejinja.or.jphttps://www.mitsuminejinja.or.jp/
- SourceMitsumine Shrine mitsuminejinja.or.jphttps://www.mitsuminejinja.or.jp/saijin/
- SourceMLIT Kanto Regional Development Bureau, Futase Dam Management Office ktr.mlit.go.jphttps://www.ktr.mlit.go.jp/futase/futase00013.html
- SourceChichibu Tourism Association chichibuji.gr.jphttps://www.chichibuji.gr.jp/event/kouyou/
- SourceChichibu Tourism Association chichibuji.gr.jphttps://www.chichibuji.gr.jp/spot/spot-syousai03/
- SourceChichibu Tourism Association chichibuji.gr.jphttps://www.chichibuji.gr.jp/experience/hiking-syousai01/
Written by the APEX DRIVE editors from facts in the official sources above (not a copy of the official text).Last checked: . Details may change. Please check the official page before you go.