Top Five Must-Visit Shrines on the Tokaido Highway
yajikita- Hakone shrine
- Mishima Taisha shrine
- Toyokawa Inari shrine
- Atsuta Jingu
- Tamura shrine
Hakone Shrine(箱根神社）
A Torii gate in Ashi Lake at Hakone shrine is like the famous Miyajima island. My favorite part of this shrine is Cyozuya(手水舎) with a dragon and a big beautiful cedar tree, which symbolizes good luck for the safe delivery of the baby. This is a great place to refresh yourself with a beautiful view of Ashi Lake after crossing the Hakone Toge Pass (箱根峠).
Mishima Taisha shrine(三島大社)
Mishima Shrine is one of the most prestigious shrines along the Tokaido Highway, boasting a history of over 1,500 years. During the Edo period, travelers on the Tokaido Highway had a custom of celebrating their safe passage across the Hakone Pass at Mishima Shrine. Let’s visit Mishima Shrine as travelers did in the Edo period and pray for the safety of our journey.
Toyokawa Inari Shrine(豊川稲荷）
You may know the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, which is famous for its thousands of Torii gates. However, at Toyokawa Inari Shrine, you will find thousands of adorable fox statues instead of Torii gates. The atmosphere here is very spiritual and peaceful, with few tourists, offering tranquility and excellent photo opportunities!
Atsuta Jingu shrine(熱田神宮）
Atsuta Jingu Shrine is one of the most prestigious shrines in Japan, housing the sacred sword, one of the three sacred treasures (三種の神器) of the country. An intriguing aspect of Atsuta Jingu is the sacred chickens that roam around the shrine. Additionally, Nagoya is famous for its chicken wings, a local delicacy. If you want to experience nature in the bustling city of Nagoya, a visit to Atsuta Jingu is a must.
Tamura shrine
The Tamura Shrine is a very special site to visit while traveling along the Tokaido Highway, as the approach to the shrine is directly accessible from this historic route of Tokaido. Located in Tsuchiyama, Shiga Prefecture, the shrine enshrines the first Shogun of Japan as a deity. You will have the opportunity to visit this shrine during your journey on the Tokaido Highway with us.
