Musashi Mitake Shrine: A Sacred Mountain Escape
Discover Tokyo's spiritual side at Musashi Mitake Shrine. Hike scenic trails, explore ancient traditions, and enjoy panoramic views.
Musashi Mitake Shrine, located on the summit of Mt. Mitake, has been a sacred site for over two millennia. The shrine's history is intertwined with mountain worship and Shugendo, a unique Japanese mountain Buddhism. Samurai warriors once offered weapons and armor to the gods here, and the shrine's Treasure Hall displays many of these artifacts, some recognized as National Treasures or Important Cultural Properties. The shrine is also dedicated to wolves, known as Oinusama, who are worshipped as protectors against disasters. Legend says a white wolf guided the legendary warrior Yamato Takeru to safety on Mt. Mitake. Visitors can explore the shrine's main buildings, including the worship hall rebuilt in 1700. The grounds also feature smaller shrines and stone monuments. Beyond the shrine, Mt. Mitake offers hiking trails through the Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, with destinations like the Rock Garden, a mossy valley with waterfalls. The village near the shrine has traditional inns and shops catering to pilgrims and travelers.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for hiking the mountain trails.
- Check the bus and cable car schedules in advance, as they have limited departures.
- Visit the Treasure Hall to see historical armor and swords.
- Pick up a hiking map at the Mitake Visitor Center.
- Consider staying overnight in a Shukubo (temple lodging) for a unique cultural experience.
A brief summary to Musashi Mitake Shrine
- 176 Mitakesan, Ome, Mitakesan, Tokyo, 198-0175, JP
- +81428-78-8500
- Visit website
- Monday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Tuesday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Thursday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Friday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Saturday 8:30 am-4 pm
- Sunday 8:30 am-4 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line to Ome Station (approx. 75 minutes). Transfer to the JR Ome Line to Mitake Station (approx. 20 minutes). From Mitake Station, take the Nishi-Tokyo bus to the Cable-shita bus stop (approx. 10 minutes, ¥340). Finally, take the Mitake Tozan Railway cable car to Mitakesan Station (approx. 6 minutes, ¥1110 round trip). From Mitakesan Station, it's a 20-30 minute walk to the shrine.
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Walking
From Mitakesan Station (cable car upper station), follow the paved path through the village towards Musashi Mitake Shrine. The walk is approximately 20-30 minutes and passes by inns and souvenir shops. Be prepared for some steps as you approach the shrine.
