Nagoya Sightseeing: Harness the Ultimate Luck at Atsuta Shrine!
Atsuta Shrine is a popular power spot in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture. As one of Nagoya's top tourist destinations, it attracts many visitors. The shrine grounds feature 28 smaller shrines, giant sacred trees, and various spots believed to bring good fortune. In this guide, we’ll introduce the must-see power spots, lucky charms, benefits, and how to get there!
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Nagoya Sightseeing: Harness the Ultimate Luck at Atsuta Shrine!
1. "Honden" Houses One of the Three Sacred Treasures
Atsuta Shrine’s Honden (main shrine) follows the Shinto architectural style known as Shinmei-zukuri, similar to Ise Shrine. It enshrines Ame-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi, one of Japan’s Three Sacred Treasures, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu-Ōmikami. This legendary sword is said to hold immense power, and visiting the shrine allows you to receive its energy.
2. "Shimizu-sha" for Beautiful Skin and Eye Healing
Locals call Shimizu-sha "O-Shimizu-sama" with great affection. It enshrines Mizuhanome-no-Kami, a deity associated with water. The shrine’s natural spring is believed to bring beautiful skin if you wash your face with it.
Legend has it that the famous samurai Taira no Kiyomori healed his eye disease by washing his eyes with this sacred water. There's also a moss-covered stone in the spring, believed to be a fragment of Yang Guifei’s tombstone (one of China’s Four Great Beauties). Pouring water over it three times with a ladle while making a wish is said to grant your desire.
3. The Sacred Camphor Trees ("Great Camphor Trees")
Atsuta Shrine is home to seven massive camphor trees with an overwhelming presence. One of them, said to have been planted by Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), is around 1,000 years old. Some of these trees are believed to house sacred snakes, which are seen as divine messengers. Spotting one is said to bring great luck and blessings!
4. "Kamichikama Shrine" – More Than Just Academic Success!
Kamichikama Shrine is one of the smaller shrines within Atsuta Shrine’s grounds. It enshrines Otoyo-no-Mikoto, also known as Monju-sama of Wisdom. Worshippers come here not only for academic success but also for relief from headaches. On both sides of the shrine stand Daikokuten and Ebisu, deities of prosperity and household safety, attracting business owners and families. Every January 5th, the "Hatsu Ebisu" Festival is held, making it a lively New Year tradition.
5. "Shimochikama Shrine" for Safe Travels
Shimochikama Shrine enshrines Mashikitobe-no-Mikoto, the deity of travel safety. If you’re visiting Atsuta Shrine while traveling, be sure to pray for a safe journey at this sacred spot.
6. Relax by "Minami Shinike Pond"
Near the western side of the shrine grounds lies Minami Shinike Pond, where carp and turtles swim peacefully. Next to the pond, the Kiyome Chaya rest area serves zenzai (sweet red bean soup), oshiruko (sweet red bean porridge), and kiyome mochi. This picturesque spot is perfect for a break while exploring Atsuta Shrine.
7. Goshuin Stamps and Omamori Charms
At the shrine’s reception area, you can receive omamori (charms) and ofuda (sacred talismans) from 7 AM until sunset. Charms for traffic safety, warding off misfortune, good luck, matchmaking, and academic success are available, usually priced at 1,000 yen. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
Atsuta Shrine offers three types of Goshuin (shrine stamps):
Atsuta Shrine (referred to as a Goshin’in instead of a Goshuin).
Bekkū Hakkengu Shrine
Kamichikama Shrine
The Goshuin for Bekkū Hakkengu Shrine and Kamichikama Shrine can be obtained at the reception area next to Kamichikama Shrine. Unlike other shrines, Atsuta Shrine does not have a fixed price for its Goshuin. Instead, visitors offer a donation. The standard amount is at least 300 yen, so it is recommended to give that amount or more.
8. How to Access Atsuta Shrine?
Atsuta Shrine is located in Atsuta Ward, Nagoya City, so it is easily accessible from Nagoya Station. Take the JR Tokaido Main Line from Nagoya Station and get off at Atsuta Station. It is a short walk from Atsuta Station. You can also access it by Meitetsu Line. In that case, take the Meitetsu Nagoya Line and get off at Jingumae Station. You can also walk to Atsuta Shrine from Jingumae Station.
Also, if you are coming from Nagoya's number one downtown area, Sakae, take the Nagoya Municipal Subway from Sakae Station and get off at Jingu-Nishi Station. By the way, Atsuta Station, Jingu-mae Station, and Jingu-Nishi Station do not have to be entered through the main gate either. The main gate is a little far from these three stations, so if you want to visit the shrine from the main gate, we recommend getting off at Tenmacho Station on the Nagoya Municipal Subway.
◎Finally: Is the area around Atsuta Shrine a hotbed of Hitsumabushi?
After exploring Atsuta Shrine, why not indulge in Nagoya’s famous dish, Hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice)? The area around the shrine is home to some of the best Hitsumabushi restaurants, including:
Atsuta Houraiken – A legendary specialty store.
Unagi Kagami – Another highly rated eel restaurant.
Atsuta Benten – Popular among locals and tourists alike.
Since these restaurants are very famous, expect long lines during lunch hours. However, the unmatched taste of Hitsumabushi makes the wait absolutely worth it!
