Nakanotake Shrine

Nakanotake Shrine in Shimonita, Gunma, is an old shrine set at the southern foot of Mount Myogi, famous for its strange rocks. It is known for a rare form of boulder worship in which the giant rock called Todoroki Iwa rising behind the halls serves as the sacred body itself, so the shrine has no separate main hall. On the grounds, the Kinoene Daikoku Shrine holds a statue of Daikoku that is the largest in Japan, roughly twenty meters tall and about eight and a half tons, whose gleaming golden figure overwhelms those who visit. It is said to grant blessings of prosperous business, good fortune, and protection from misfortune, and the distinctive scenery woven by the natural boulder and the giant statue is its charm.

Highlights

• A statue of Daikoku about twenty meters tall and about eight and a half tons, the largest in Japan
• The dynamic power of the giant Todoroki boulder that serves as the sacred body
• A rare form of faith that reveres a boulder as a deity, with no separate main hall
• A solemn view of the grounds overlooking the strange rocks of Mount Myogi

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring mountain cherry blossoms add color, and in autumn the foliage of Mount Myogi turns splendidly. The autumn scene where strange rocks and foliage overlap is especially worth seeing. In the clear air of winter the presence of the great boulder and the statue stands out all the more. You can enjoy the striking scenery along with the ever-changing face of the mountain.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Kamikosaka, Shimonita Town, Kanra District, Gunma Prefecture
• About 15 minutes by car from the Matsuida Myogi Interchange on the Joshin-etsu Expressway
• Also reachable by car from the Shimonita Interchange
• Parking is available, making a visit by car easy
• The grounds have stone steps and slopes, so wear comfortable shoes

Practical Travel Notes

• You can climb the stone steps right up to the Daikoku statue. The steps are not many, but the slope means it is best to use the handrail and proceed slowly.
• True to the name Kinoene Daikoku Shrine, the deity is also cherished in connection with fortune in contests and with baseball. Many pray for good fortune and prosperous business at the same time.
• The sacred Todoroki boulder rises behind the halls. There is also a worship path that climbs steep rocks, but the footing is poor and dangerous, so do not overreach and match your effort to your fitness.
• Nearby, viewpoints from the Nakanotake parking area and autumn-color spots on Mount Myogi are scattered about. Touring together with Myogi Shrine and Michi-no-Eki Myogi is efficient.
• In these mountains the weather changes easily and temperatures tend to drop. Carrying a jacket brings peace of mind.

A Quick Tip

You can climb the steps right up to the Daikoku statue, so do experience its scale up close. Looking up at the Todoroki boulder, you can feel the power of an ancient faith that reveres nature itself. Take great care with your footing when approaching the rocks.

📚 Sources

The content here is organized from public information on Nakanotake Shrine, official tourism information from Shimonita Town and Kanra County, and on-site history plaques and signboards. The reception times for goshuin seal stamps and the state of the worship paths may change. The worship path to the sacred rock Todoroki-iwa has poor footing and carries danger. Because fees, hours, and access can change, please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: Thirty minutes to an hour for worship and a precinct stroll, or about a half day including sightseeing around Mt. Myogi.
• What to bring: You can climb stone steps up beside the Daikoku statue. The steps are not many, but the incline means using the handrails and going slowly. As it is in the mountains, carrying a jacket is reassuring.
• Suggested route: Worship at the Daikoku statue and the halls, then enjoy the view from the Nakanotake parking area.
• Safety note: The sacred rock Todoroki-iwa rises behind the halls. There is a worship path up the rugged rocks, but the footing is poor and dangerous, so do not overreach and go according to your own stamina.
• Combining nearby: The autumn-foliage spots of Mt. Myogi are scattered nearby. Touring with Myogi Shrine and the Myogi roadside station is efficient.