ABOUT
About this spot
In central Ichinomiya, Aichi, a short walk from the stations, stands the shrine that gave the city its name: Masumida Shrine, the ichinomiya, or first shrine, of Owari Province. It was ranked first among the province's shrines in the late Heian period, hence the place name, and the city emblem is modeled on the supposed appearance of the five-bell mirror, said to be a shrine treasure. Its deity is Ame-no-Hoakari, also seen as a god of water and farming.
Tradition dates its founding to the reign of Emperor Jimmu or Sujin, though no firm record exists. It first appears in the national histories in 847, when its rank was raised. Later treated as a major Engishiki shrine, it declined after a major earthquake in 1584 and the confiscation of its lands by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and was revived under Tokugawa protection, becoming a national shrine in the Meiji era.
The halls burned in the air raid of 1945 and were rebuilt after the war. The main hall (nagare-zukuri, cypress with copper roof), connecting hall, ritual hall and north gate with fence are Registered Tangible Cultural Properties. Sub-shrines include Mitsumyojin and Hatori Shrine, known for love matches; there is also a well-gazing Shinsui-sha and the "omokaru-ishi" lifting stone.
It holds twelve wooden bugaku masks and red-lacquer ware designated Important Cultural Properties, including masks said to be offered by Emperor Juntoku, plus prefectural and city treasures.
The main festival is the Toka-sai on 3 April, also called the "horse festival", with a peach branch offered before the deity and a portable shrine carried to the rest site. In July the Ichinomiya Tanabata Festival, rooted in the shrine's weaving thanksgiving, draws about 1.3 million. On 15 October there are Daidai kagura and horse-leading rites. New Year visits draw about 400,000.
Entry is free; the grounds are open 9:00-17:00 (prayer services cost extra). It is about 8-10 minutes on foot from Owari-Ichinomiya or Meitetsu Ichinomiya stations, and about 20 minutes by car from Owari-Ichinomiya IC. Allow 30 to 60 minutes.
Last updated October 30, 2026