Treasure Hall at Musashi Mitake Shrine

Located on Mount Mitake within the Musashi Mitake Shrine complex, the Treasure Hall (Homotsuden) showcases a variety of historical items dedicated to the shrine from the Heian to Edo periods. These votive offerings primarily consist of battle gear, recognized for their cultural significance. The hall's collection includes two National Treasures: the Akaito Odoshi Yoroi (red thread armor), crafted in the late Heian period and considered one of the oldest intact sets of Japanese armor , and a Kagami Kura (mirror saddle) presented to the shrine in 1234 by Emperor Shijo. This lacquered wooden saddle features mother-of-pearl inlays and polished, gilt-copper pommel and cantle. Other notable items include a mikoshi (portable shrine) dedicated by Shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, adorned with the Tokugawa family crest and gilded phoenixes , as well as numerous Important Cultural Properties such as Kurourushi Tachi [Nakami Meihoju], Murasakisusogo Kacchu and Tokin Nagafukurin Tachi. A statue of samurai Hatakeyama Shigetada, who dedicated his armor to the shrine in 1191, stands in front of the hall. Visitors can also view a video exhibition of Daidai Kagura, a Shinto ritual dance and music performed at the shrine from June to November. The shrine priests and their families have been performing Daidai Kagura for 32 generations, since the Edo period (1603–1867). The Treasure Hall provides insights into the history of Musashi Mitake Shrine, which has been a center of mountain worship for almost 2000 years. The shrine is also known for its wolf statues, which resemble large dogs.