What other travelers are saying about Mitsumine Shrine
Phenomenal shrine up high on the mountain. Can easily drive or take a bus up to the temple with large parking lot, toilets and a few options for food and drinks. Very often foggy at the top, but I preferred the moody atmosphere. I went on a Sunday in summer and it was a cool temperature with few other people. I bet in Fall though it is a leaf peeping madhouse as others have said
This shrine is located deep in the mountains of Chichibu. There is a bus from Seibu Chichibu Station, but it is recommended to go by car. The vermilion-painted gate from the approach is impressive, and the clear, crisp air is pleasant. The main hall is also brilliantly colored and solemn. There is a legend that a wolf guided Emperor Yamato Takeru, and the guardian lions are wolves. There are two sacred trees in front of the main hall, and after visiting the main hall, it is recommended to take three deep breaths and offer a prayer.
Wonderful huge shrine nestled in the mountains with ample parking space. It does look like a highly respected shrine with lots of patrons listed on stone tablets as you stroll towards the main shrine. The main shrine is flanked by two huge majestic old cedar trees.
This is a very important and impressive shrine in the Chichibu area, west of Tokyo. It requires careful planning if using public transport. I visited in July 2024 on a weekday, traveling by car from Kōfu in Yamanashi prefecture. Even so the road is long, twisting and only one road through the mountains near several dams! The shrine is spectacular though not too crowded. It was a lovely summer’s day but not too humid thanks to its elevation at 1,100m. You will be rewarded for your efforts to get there - it is worth it.
