A Shrine in the Clouds

The Mitsumine Shrine sits high up on Mount Mitsumine in the Chichibu area of Saitama.













The original shrine is more than 2,000 years old and was dedicated to a wolf spirit. Somewhere along the line it became a proper Shinto shrine.














The original wolf spirit shtrine is still there but is now hard to get to. Probably because the Shinto priests believe its not quite proper. Having said that the Shinto shrine itself is full of wolf statues that look at once scary and spectacular.

On one of our recent visits the area was shrouded in cloud. I've posted pictures of this shrine before but the atmosphere when it's cloudy is something special.

The Shrine is part of a 33 shrine pilgrimage route through the mountains and very well endowed and looked after.

A stage on which No plays are performed at certain times of the year. These are quite common in the larger shrines.

Shinto is of course an animist religion that worships,  amongst other things, the spirits in the trees and rivers.

Here is a much hugged 1,000 year old cedar which releases its power to those who cuddle it. Rather a nice thought.

Wolves are of course very messy eaters, hence the bibs. (Only kidding)

There is a wonderful avenue of giant cedars and stone lanterns leading from the main gate. At New Year there is a midnight festival in the snow where all the lanterns are lit, it must be wonderful to see.