Kanasana Shrine

This shrine is located at the foot of Mount Ontake. It is said that the name "Kanasana" comes from the fact that iron sand called Kanasuna was collected in this area in the past. Most shrines have a main hall where the deity is enshrined, but this shrine does not.

Mimurogatake, which is 300 meters above sea level, is the body of the deity and is worshipped directly. There are only three shrines with this style of worship in Japan, and they are popular among people who visit shrines.
On the side of the approach to the shrine, there is a 18-meter high Taho-to built in 1534, which is an important cultural asset.

Because it is located in the mountains, it is very quiet except during the New Year's visit. You can enjoy the mystical feeling of being surrounded by the murmuring of the river and the rustling of the trees.

About 400 meters up the road from the shrine is Kagami Iwa, a flat rock surface that was formed 100 million years ago when an underground fault shifted, making it a very valuable geological resource. It is also a special natural monument of Japan. It would be a good idea to stop by here when you are climbing Mount Ontake.