Atsuta

Atsuta most often refers to two related things in Nagoya, Japan: Atsuta Shrine (Atsuta Jingu), a major Shinto shrine, and the surrounding district known as Atsuta Ward (Atsuta-ku). The shrine and the ward are closely linked in history and today form a central cultural area of the city.

Atsuta Shrine is one of Japan’s most venerable Shinto sites. Located in central Nagoya, it is famed for enshrining the Kusanagi no Tsurugi, one of the Imperial Regalia of Japan, a sacred object that is traditionally associated with the centuries‑long imperial succession rites. The shrine precinct contains numerous sub‑shrines and a Treasure House that safeguards many national treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The site has ancient origins and has long served as a religious and ceremonial center for the region, attracting pilgrims as well as visitors who come to appreciate its architecture and gardens. Although the Kusanagi is a central symbol of the shrine’s significance, access to the sword and some treasures is restricted.

Atsuta Ward is a central district of Nagoya that grew around the shrine and surrounding areas. It comprises residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, parks such as Atsuta Park, and other cultural sites. The ward is served by multiple rail and subway lines, linking the shrine and the local community with the wider Nagoya metropolitan area. Together with Atsuta Shrine, the ward represents a historic and cultural axis in the city, drawing visitors for religious, historical, and recreational purposes.