Despite having the Imperial sword, it is never displayed, however Atsuta Jingu (Jingu means shrine) does have a large and impressive collection of samurai swords on rotational display in its Treasure Hall, featuring over 6,000 relics, including Important Cultural Property and National Treasure ranked items such as sacred garments, manuscripts, masks, mirrors, furniture and its large array of swords and blades.

Over 7 million people visit Atsuta Shrine, and over 70 ceremonies and festivals are staged there annually. One of the busiest times is over the first few days of January, when thousands flock to make their New Year’s prayers.

The atmosphere is different at Atsuta Shrine. It is a special place, a holy place. A place to find some peace, and feel the ancient culture of Japan.

Protector Of Samurai Warriors, and Protected By Samurai Warriors

Amongst the ancient trees and smaller shrines of Atsuta Jingu, is a tall, sturdy, tile-topped wall made from traditional kawara roof tiles. This is the Nobunaga-Bei, a protective wall built around Atsuta Shrine by the warlord of Western Aichi, Oda Nobunaga, following his 10-1 victory in the Battle of Okehazama in 1560, in which he successfully defeated the 25,000 samurai of Imagawa Yoshimoto with his own army of just 2,500 men! Nobunaga had prayed for victory at Atsuta prior to entering the battle, and in gratitude, constructed the impressive "Nobunaga Wall". Unfortunately, little of the original wall remains, as much was destroyed during the air raids of WW2.