Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I will report on touring to Akagi Shrine on Mt. Akagi in Gunma Prefecture. Akagi Shrine is an ancient shrine that enshrines Mt. Akagi, which rises in the northwest of the Kanto Plain, as a sacred mountain, and is also listed as a Meishin Taisha. Mt. Akagi is an attractive place with natural scenery such as a crater lake and cone, as well as a historical culture of syncretism between Shinto and Buddhism. I rode a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB) about 150 kilometers from central Tokyo to Akagi Shrine. I will tell you about the situation along with photos.
Akagi Shrine is a famous shrine listed in the Engishiki Shinmyocho as Akagi Shrine in Seta District, Ueno Province. Among the approximately 300 Akagi Shrines in Japan, Miyosawa Akagi Shrine and Odoro Akagi Shrine are the main shrines. Miyosawa Akagi Shrine is a former prefectural shrine located at the southern foot of Mt. Akagi, and consists of two shrines, east and west. The East Shrine originates from the faith of Mt. Jizo, whose local Buddha is Jizo Bosatsu, and the West Shrine originates from the faith of Onuma and Onuma. Odoro Akagi Shrine is a former hometown shrine located on the top of Mt. Akagi, and originates from the faith of Onuma, where the Senju Kannon of Onuma is the local Buddha. In this way, Akagi Shrine is a shrine that has been associated with mountain worship and water source worship since ancient times.
Route to Akagi Shrine
I headed to Saitama Prefecture using the Metropolitan Expressway from central Tokyo. In Saitama Prefecture, we headed north on National Route 17, passing through Kumagaya City and Fukaya City. National Route 17 had a lot of traffic and many traffic lights, so I couldn’t drive fast, but I was able to enjoy the countryside and cityscape while driving. When entering Gunma Prefecture from Saitama Prefecture, National Route 17 branches to National Route 140. National Route 140 is a road that goes to Mt. Akagi via Maebashi City and Takasaki City. This road has many curves and hills, but the road surface is in good condition.
Especially after Takasaki City, the scenery changes completely as you enter the mountainous area. Running through lush forests and clear streams will lift your spirits. If you enter Gunma Prefectural Route 4 from National Route 140, you will soon reach your destination, Akagi Shrine.
Gunma Prefectural Route 4 is a difficult area with steep slopes and hairpin curves, but if you have a Sports Glide or SS bike, you should have no problems. Once you pass through the torii gate of Akagi Shrine, Onuma Lake will spread out in front of you. Onuma is a caldera lake on Mt. Akagi, and the colors of the mountains and sky reflected in the water are beautiful. Odo Akagi Shrine is located on the banks of Onuma.
Highlights of Akagi Shrine
When we arrived at Odori Akagi Shrine, we first visited the shrine.
The shrine building was built by the Sakai family, the lords of the Maebashi domain, during the Edo period, and its red color catches the eye. In the worship hall, there are statues of Onuma-kami and Onuma-kami, who are enshrined as Akagi Daimyojin.
In addition, a statue of Senju Kannon is enshrined in the main shrine. This Senju Kannon statue is said to be the original Buddha of Onuma and was created during the Heian period. The Senju Kannon statue is opened in April and October every year, so you can see it if you visit during those times. After visiting the shrine, we took a walk along the promenade that goes around Onuma.
The promenade is about 3 kilometers long, but it is flat and easy to walk. There are lakeside observation decks and benches along the way, so you can enjoy the scenery while taking a break. Onuma has very good water quality and high transparency. The natural scenery and the color of the sky reflected on the lake surface change depending on the season and time of day.
I was able to see Onuma Lake with its blue sky and white clouds, but the sunset and starry sky are also spectacular. While walking along the promenade, you may sometimes come across birds and animals. It is said that water birds such as ducks and kingfishers, as well as foxes and raccoon dogs, live here.
Akagi Shrine motorcycle parking lot
If you are visiting Akagi Shrine by motorcycle, we recommend using the visitor parking lot. Motorcycle parking is located right next to Odo Akagi Shrine. Motorcycle parking is free, but space is limited, so we recommend arriving early.
Summary
This time, I reported on a touring trip to Akagi Shrine on Mt. Akagi in Gunma Prefecture. Akagi Shrine is a famous shrine that has been associated with mountain worship and water source worship since ancient times, and is a place where you can experience the nature and culture of Mt. Akagi. I rode a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB) about 150 kilometers from central Tokyo, and along the way I was able to enjoy rural scenery, cityscapes, and mountain scenery. At our destination, Akagi Shrine, we enjoyed visiting the shrine, walking along the promenade, and soaking in the hot springs. The beautiful scenery of Onuma and the Senju Kannon statue were unforgettable memories. Motorcycle parking was also available for free, but space is limited, so we recommend arriving early. I think touring to Akagi Shrine is an irresistible course for motorcycle lovers. Please give it a try.
The above was sent to you by _hiroyuki.ta. Next time we look forward to!
