Akagi Shrine

Located at Akagisan in Fujimi-machi, Maebashi, Gunma, Akagi Shrine is an ancient shrine that sits beside Ono (Onuma), the lake at the summit of Mount Akagi, one of the Three Mountains of Gunma. Enshrining Akagi Daimyojin, it is counted among the leading candidates for the head shrine among the roughly 300 Akagi shrines nationwide (together with the Miyosawa Akagi Shrine on the mountainside, it is regarded as a head shrine). Standing on sacred ground at an elevation of about 1,300 meters and built as if looking down over the volcanic lake, its setting deeply moves those who visit. In recent years it has drawn attention as a power spot, and worshippers from across the country have increased.

Note: This article focuses on the Daido Akagi Shrine that sits beside Lake Onuma.

Highlights

• The halls and Onuma: The present halls were rebuilt in 1970 on Kotorigashima island in Onuma. The vermilion halls surrounded by the lake, set against the lake scenery, make a superb view.
• Onuma (Ono): The volcanic lake at the summit of Mount Akagi. The scene woven by the water and Akagi Shrine is among the most beautiful in Gunma.
• Kitsutsuki-bashi Bridge: A vermilion bridge linking Kotorigashima island and the lakeshore, a popular photo spot that stands out against the lake.
• Sacred trees and grounds: The sacred precinct jutting out over the lake is full of quiet, wrapped in a solemn air.
• Konuma (Kono): A beautiful volcanic lake higher up than Onuma, reachable by a hiking trail.

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring (April to May) brings fresh greenery, and a visit in the crisp air is pleasant; from late May into June, azaleas color the mountainside. Summer (June to August) is popular as a cool highland retreat, with fishing and hiking on Onuma. Autumn (around October) sees the whole area colored with foliage, splendid where it reflects on the water. Winter (January to February) brings ice fishing for wakasagi on the frozen Onuma (whether it takes place depends on the freezing conditions, which vary by year).

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Akagisan, Fujimi-machi, Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture
• By transit: From JR Maebashi Station, take a Kanetsu Kotsu bus toward Mount Akagi (about 80 to 90 minutes; service is limited)
• By car: From the Akagi IC or Maebashi IC on the Kanetsu Expressway via a mountain road
• Visiting hours: The grounds can generally be visited freely (office hours vary by season)
• Time needed: About 30 minutes to 1 hour for a visit alone; about 2 hours including a walk around Onuma

Practical Travel Notes

• Near the summit, temperatures run about 5 to 10 degrees lower than on the plains, so a jacket is needed even in summer. In winter, proper cold-weather gear and non-slip shoes are essential.
• Buses run infrequently. Check the timetable in advance, or access by car, which is recommended.
• Winter mountain roads may have snow or ice. If driving, prepare winter tires or chains.
• Around Onuma there are eateries, souvenir shops, and boat docks, so a post-visit stroll or meal can be enjoyed.
• In the early morning the water grows still, and you may encounter the dreamlike sight of the halls mirrored on its surface.

A Quick Tip

Near the summit of Mount Akagi the temperature is lower than on the plains, so a jacket is needed even in summer. Because buses run infrequently, check the timetable in advance or access by car, which is recommended. The path around Onuma is well maintained, so a lakeside walk after your visit is also recommended. Crossing the Kitsutsuki-bashi Bridge toward the halls is itself a special moment of entering a sacred precinct high in the mountains.

📚 Sources

The content here is organized from official tourism information on Akagi Shrine and the Mt. Akagi area, Maebashi City guidance, and on-site history plaques and signboards. The reception hours of the amulet counter, bus frequency, and the business hours of facilities around Lake Onuma change by season. There may be snow and ice in winter. Because fees, hours, and access can change, please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: About thirty minutes to an hour for worship alone, or about two hours including a circuit of Lake Onuma.
• What to bring: Near the summit it is about five to ten degrees cooler than the lowlands, so a jacket is needed even in summer, and winter requires serious warm clothing and non-slip shoes. Worship is free, but bring cash for amulets and a goshuin seal stamp.
• Suggested route: Worship at the hall beside Lake Onuma, cross the Kitsutsuki Bridge, and stroll around the lake.
• Transport note: Buses are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance. Winter mountain roads may have snow and ice, so prepare winter tires or chains if driving.
• Combining nearby: Around Lake Onuma there are eateries, souvenir shops, and boat docks, and in the early morning you may see the hall mirrored on the lake surface.