Bob Marley Museum | Kingston

Information

Landmark: Bob Marley Museum
City: Kingston
Country: Jamaica
Continent: North America

Bob Marley Museum, Kingston, Jamaica, North America

Atsuta Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Atsuta Ward of Nagoya, Japan. It is one of Japan's most important and oldest shrines, serving as the head shrine for over 4,000 Atsuta shrines nationwide.

Visual Characteristics

The shrine complex covers approximately 200,000 square meters. The main buildings, including the honden (main sanctuary) and heiden (offering hall), are constructed with cypress wood and feature a distinctive nagare-zukuri architectural style. The roofs are tiled, and the structures are painted in a natural wood tone with minimal ornamentation. The grounds are characterized by dense evergreen vegetation, primarily ancient camphor trees, and gravel pathways.

Location & Access Logistics

Atsuta Shrine is situated approximately 3 kilometers south of Nagoya Station. Access is straightforward via public transport. The nearest train station is Jingu-mae Station on the Meitetsu Nagoya Line, located a 5-minute walk from the shrine. JR Atsuta Station is also within a 10-minute walk. Several municipal bus lines serve the area, with stops directly outside the shrine. Limited paid parking is available on-site for vehicles.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Atsuta Shrine's origins are ancient, with its founding traditionally dated to the reign of Emperor Keiko in the 1st century CE. It is believed to have been established to enshrine the legendary Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi, one of the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan. The shrine's historical significance is tied to its role as a repository for this imperial regalia. The surrounding area is a natural ecosystem with mature camphor trees, some estimated to be hundreds of years old.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can explore the main shrine buildings, including the honden and heiden. The shrine grounds offer walking paths through the forested areas. The Treasure Hall exhibits artifacts related to the shrine's history and the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi. Ceremonies and festivals are held throughout the year, with the most significant being the Atsuta Festival in June. Photography is permitted in designated outdoor areas.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the shrine complex. Shaded areas are provided by the mature trees and covered walkways. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong throughout the grounds. Food vendors and small restaurants are located immediately outside the shrine's main gates, particularly along the approach from Jingu-mae Station.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal lighting for photography, early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) is recommended. The best months for visiting are generally spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) due to moderate temperatures and lower rainfall. There are no tide-dependent activities at this inland shrine.

Facts & Legends

Atsuta Shrine is one of only two shrines in Japan that are believed to house an Imperial Regalia (the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi). The sword itself is not on public display, adding to its mystique. A unique tip for visitors is to observe the Go-Shuin (temple/shrine seal) collection, as Atsuta Shrine offers distinct and beautifully calligraphed seals.