Atsuta Jingu

Japan’s Excalibur, the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi

When most people start searching for ancient shrines and temples their thoughts immediately turn to Kyoto. I mean, why not? After all, the city is famous for being known around the globe as the “old capital” Nevertheless, those on the hunt for hidden gems would do well to broaden their search parameters. Given Japan’s booming inbound tourism, popular attractions like Fushimi Inari Taisha are becoming akin to amusement parks unto themselves as hordes of travelers converge on their spiritual grounds.

Today, we will be examining an antediluvian shrine with roots dating back over 1,900 years. Known as Atsuta Jingu, or more simply just “Atsuta-sama,” this shrine has been revered since ancient times and ranks alongside the famous Ise Jingu. One would think that this shrine would attract throngs of foreign visitors but Atsuta Jingu is located in Nagoya and most pass the city by en route to Kyoto without a second thought.

Atsuta Jingu’s main claim to fame is that it is said to house the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, a sword that is considered one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan along with a jewel and a mirror. This legendary weapon has…