Meishin-taisha

Atsuta Jingu

熱田神宮

Atsuta Jingu
Image: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA)
Admission
Free
Goshuin
300 yen
Access
3 min walk
Hours
24 hours (shrine office: 8:30-16:30)

Overview

Atsuta Jingu is one of the most sacred and important shrines in Japan, housing the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass-Cutting Sword), one of the Three Imperial Regalia that symbolize the legitimacy of the Japanese emperor. The shrine holds a unique position in Japanese mythology as the spiritual home of this legendary weapon. According to tradition, the shrine was established when Miyasuhime-no-Mikoto, the wife of the legendary hero Yamato Takeru, enshrined the Kusanagi sword at this location after his death. The sword had been obtained by Susanoo from the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi and passed down through the divine lineage. Atsuta's historical significance extends beyond mythology. In 1560, the young warlord Oda Nobunaga prayed here before his famous upset victory at the Battle of Okehazama, launching him toward national prominence. With over 7 million annual visitors, Atsuta remains central to the spiritual life of the Nagoya region. The shrine's grounds cover 19 hectares of dense forest in the heart of urban Nagoya, creating a sacred oasis.

History

1560📄Documented

Oda Nobunaga prayed here before the Battle of Okehazama and won a miraculous victory

Enshrined Deities

primary Deity

Imperial sword Kusanagi, warrior protection, national protection

secondary Deity

Goddess of the sun, supreme deity of the Shinto pantheon, and ancestral kami of the Imperial house

secondary Deity

God of storms, the sea, and martial valor; also revered as a deity of plague prevention

secondary Deity

Legendary prince, hero-deity of valor, conquest, and tragic sacrifice

Blessings

Shrine Network

Did You Know?

💡

Atsuta houses the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Three Imperial Regalia of Japan. The actual sword has never been publicly displayed.

Source: documented

💡

Oda Nobunaga prayed here before his famous upset victory at the Battle of Okehazama in 1560.

Source: documented

💡

Despite being in the heart of urban Nagoya, the shrine grounds contain a vast ancient forest.

Source: documented

💡

The shrine uses the shinmei-zukuri architectural style, the same as Ise Grand Shrine.

Source: documented

In Pop Culture

game / 2015
Touken Ranbu
Referenced in Work

Atsuta Shrine in Nagoya, which enshrines the legendary Kusanagi no Tsurugi. Related to the game's theme of famous swords.

Practical Information

Location Coordinates

35.1283, 136.9089

Physical Address

1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi

愛知県名古屋市熱田区神宮1-1-1

Historical Province

Owari / Mikawa

Access

Jingu-mae Station (Meitetsu Nagoya Line)

3 min walk

Hours

24 hours (shrine office: 8:30-16:30)

Best Times to Visit

June (Atsuta Festival)New Year

Foreign Language Support

English (pamphlet, signs)

Accessibility

Partial

Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.

Why This Shrine

One of Japan's holiest shrines, home to the legendary Kusanagi sword. A living connection to Japan's founding myths in the heart of Nagoya, with deep ties to samurai history.

Related Shrines

Related Myths

Learn More About Shinto Shrines

Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.

Frequently Asked Questions

Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team

What is Atsuta Jingu?

Atsuta Jingu is one of the most sacred and important shrines in Japan, housing the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi (Grass-Cutting Sword), one of the Three Imperial Regalia that symbolize the legitimacy of the Japanese emperor. The shrine holds a unique position in Japanese mythology as the spiritual home of this legendary weapon. According to tradition, the shrine was established when Miyasuhime-no-Mikoto, the wife of the legendary hero Yamato Takeru, enshrined the Kusanagi sword at this location after his death. The sword had been obtained by Susanoo from the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi and passed down through the divine lineage. Atsuta's historical significance extends beyond mythology. In 1560, the young warlord Oda Nobunaga prayed here before his famous upset victory at the Battle of Okehazama, launching him toward national prominence. With over 7 million annual visitors, Atsuta remains central to the spiritual life of the Nagoya region. The shrine's grounds cover 19 hectares of dense forest in the heart of urban Nagoya, creating a sacred oasis.

Where is Atsuta Jingu located?

Atsuta Jingu is located in Nagoya-shi, Atsuta-ku, Aichi. The full address is: 1-1-1 Jingu, Atsuta-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi.

What deities are enshrined at Atsuta Jingu?

The enshrined deities are: Atsuta no Okami, Amaterasu Omikami, Susanoo no Mikoto, Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.

What blessings can you pray for at Atsuta Jingu?

Atsuta Jingu is known for: National Protection, Victory, General Prosperity.

How do I get to Atsuta Jingu?

The nearest station is Jingu-mae Station (Meitetsu Nagoya Line). It is about a 3-minute walk from the station.