Kanasana Jinja

Standing in Kamikawa Town in the north of Saitama, Kanasana Jinja is a venerable old shrine counted as the second shrine of Musashi Province. Because it worships Mount Mimuro behind it as the very body of the deity, it has no main hall, preserving to this day a primal form of faith that has continued since ancient times. Only a very few shrines of this kind remain nationwide, such as Suwa Taisha in Nagano and Omiwa Jinja in Nara.

Surrounded by rich nature, the grounds are filled with a quiet and solemn air, and the shrine is cherished by locals for wide ranging blessings of victory, good fortune, and health, a little known power spot in the north of the prefecture.

Highlights

- The distinctive style of worshiping Mount Mimuro without a main hall is a rare chance to feel the nature worship of ancient Japan firsthand - The Mitake Mirror Rock, a nationally designated special natural monument, shows a rock face as smooth as a mirror formed by fault activity - Climbing the mountain path toward the mirror rock opens up a view over the village of Kamikawa - The white oak forest in the grounds is a precious natural woodland noted as an important plant community

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring colors the slopes with fresh green and azaleas, while summer brings cool air from the deep forest. Autumn dyes the grounds in red foliage, and winter offers a serene moment in clear air. The stroll to the mirror rock can be enjoyed as a light mountain walk to feel the nature of each season.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 751 Ninomiya, Kamikawa Town, Kodama District, Saitama - About 10 minutes by taxi from Tansho Station on the JR Hachiko Line - About 30 minutes by car from the Honjo Kodama interchange on the Kanetsu Expressway - Parking is available

A Quick Tip

The path to the mirror rock is a mountain trail, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Knowing the manner of worship at a shrine without a main hall beforehand lets you savor the ancient faith more deeply.