This time, I took a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Kanasana Shrine, a historic shrine in Saitama Prefecture.
Kinzu Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in the prefecture, and is considered one of the five shrines of Musashi Province (according to one theory, there are two shrines), and it enshrines Mt. Omuro, which is considered a sacred mountain.
There are also many attractions such as Tahoto Pagoda, which is designated as a national important cultural property, and Kagami Rock, which is designated as a special natural monument. In this article, we will introduce the route to Kinzu Shrine, highlights, motorcycle parking, etc.
It is about 130 kilometers away and takes about 2 hours. Below is a summary of the route I took.
From Ningyocho-dori/Suitegu-dori, Route 316, Takaracho IC-Tatsumi JCT, enter the Metropolitan Expressway Inner Loop Line/C1
Proceed along the Metropolitan Expressway No. 5 Ikebukuro Line/Route 5 and the Kanetsu Expressway/Kanetsu Expressway to National Route 462 in Yomota, Honjo City, and exit the Kanetsu Expressway/Kanetsu Expressway at Honjo Kodama IC.
Continue along National Route 462 until you reach Prefectural Route 131 just below Kodama Town.
This route uses the Shuto Expressway and Kanetsu Expressway, so expressway tolls will be charged. There are also service areas and parking areas along the way, but please allow plenty of time if you want to take a break or eat.
Kinzu Shrine is said to have its origins when the hero of ancient Japanese history, Yamato Takeru no Mikoto, placed tools for lighting fire during his expedition to the east on Mt. Omuro.
For this reason, there is no main shrine, and the ritual is performed in an ancient ritual style in which one worships Mt. Omuro directly. There are only two other historical shrines in this format: Suwa Taisha in Nagano Prefecture and Omiwa Shrine in Nara Prefecture.
The temple grounds include Tahoto Pagoda, which is designated as a national important cultural property, and Kagami Rock, which is designated as a special natural monument.
Tahoto was donated by the Abo clan (Anbo clan), who were based in this area during the Sengoku period, and is a double pagoda with a square roof on each side and a circular plan on the upper layer. Kagami-iwa is a huge granite rock located halfway up Mt. Omuro, and is approximately 10 meters high, 20 meters wide, and 3 meters thick. This rock has parts that shine like mirrors, and has been worshiped as a mystical object since ancient times.
Kinzu Shrine is also one of the six great Myojin shrines in Bushu (Musashi Rokusho Daimyojin), and has been revered as the guardian deity of the Kodama Party, one of the Seven Musashi Parties. Inside the precincts, you can see ceiling paintings painted by painters from Honjo-juku during the Edo period, as well as the shrine plaque inscribed by Sadanobu Matsudaira, an elder statesman.
Motorcycle parking lot at Kinzu Shrine
Kinzu Shrine has a motorcycle parking lot within the grounds.
There is space for about 10 cars and you can use it for free. However, please note that motorcycles are prohibited from entering the temple grounds. The motorcycle parking lot is located just off Prefectural Route 131.
The landmarks are the red torii gate and stone steps. You can park your bike on the left side of the torii gate.
Summary
This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Kanazawa Shrine in Saitama Prefecture.
Kinzu Shrine is a shrine full of history and nature, and there are many things to see. There is also a motorcycle parking lot on the grounds, which was convenient. Kinzai Shrine is said to be one of the best power spots in the northern part of Saitama Prefecture.
