Atago Jinja, Shinto shrine on Mount Atago, Ukyō-ku, Japan
Atago Jinja is a Shinto shrine located on the summit of Mount Atago in Ukyō Ward, Japan, featuring multiple wooden structures, stone lanterns, and separate shrine buildings spread across the grounds. The main hall holds the status of an Important Cultural Property and houses several deities, including Izanami no Mikoto and Ōkuninushi.
En no Gyōja founded the shrine in the 8th century and established it as a center for Shugendō practices. Over the centuries, this site became a starting point for mountain worship and drew ascetics and believers from across the country.
The shrine serves as the head of nine hundred Atago shrines across the country and draws visitors who come to honor the fire deity Atago Gongen. On July 31, pilgrims climb the stairs to the summit and take part in the Sen-nichi Tsuyasai festival, when one night here is said to equal a thousand visits.
The shrine opens daily and can be reached through a mountain path with about 900 steps. The climb takes around one hour, so early morning offers fewer visitors along the way.
Climbing the steps at night during Sen-nichi Tsuyasai is believed to grant protection from fire for your home. Some visitors write their wishes on small wooden plaques that hang throughout the grounds.
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