Atsuta Jingu can lay claim to being one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. The site on which the shrine stands, has been consecrated for at least 1900 years with the current structure designed in a style similar to that seen in Ise – considered the most important shrines in the country.

Atsuta Jingu enshrines the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu and is the repository of the ‘Sword of Kusanagi’ – one of the three sacred treasures that symbolize the imperial throne. The ‘Five Great Gods of Atsuta’ are also enshrined within, making this one of the most revered shrine complexes in Central Japan. The shrine complex can be accessed any time of day and admission is free of charge (although the shrine will be closed at night).