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Kitabatake Shrine
A sacred precinct unfolds beyond a grove of cedar trees. Relax in a renowned garden colored by the seasons.
Founded in 1643 as “Kitabatake Hachimangu,” this shrine sits in a mountainous area and leaves a strong impression with its solemn atmosphere among towering cedar trees. It enshrines three military leaders, with Kitabatake Akinō, who appears in the 14th-century war tale “Taiheiki,” as the main deity, along with Kitabatake Chikafusa and Kitabatake Akiie, and attracts many history enthusiasts.
Within the shrine grounds is the Kitabatake Clan Residence Garden Ruins, a nationally designated historic site. Combining karesansui dry landscape design with a strolling pond garden, it is widely regarded as one of Mie Prefecture’s finest gardens. Maple and other trees are planted throughout, and visitors can enjoy beautiful seasonal scenery, including fresh greenery in spring, autumn leaves in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.
Available items include a castle stamp for Kiriyama Castle Ruins, as well as seasonal special goshuin stamps made with mitsumata washi paper, “Haru Mōde” in spring and “Momiji Mōde” in fall.
Also stop by the Misugi Furusato Museum, which can be reached on foot, to learn more about the history of the Kitabatake clan, the origins of the garden, and the culture of the Southern Court.
Highlights
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A mountain shrine founded in 1643 as “Kitabatake Hachimangu,” enshrining three military leaders: Kitabatake Akinō as the main deity, along with Chikafusa and Akiie.
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Its grounds include the nationally designated historic site “Kitabatake Clan Residence Garden Ruins,” blending karesansui and a strolling pond garden style.
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Items available include castle stamps and seasonal special goshuin stamps offered in spring and fall.
Photos
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A shrine in the mountains founded in 1643
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A solemn atmosphere lined with towering cedar trees
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The nationally designated historic site “Kitabatake Clan Residence Garden Ruins”
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have goshuin stamps?
A
Yes. We offer regular goshuin stamps (2 types), a garden edition stamp, collaboration stamps with other shrines, and stamps on seasonal limited-edition mitsumata washi paper. (More are planned in the future. Please check our social media for limited-edition stamps as well.)
Q
Is there a parking lot?
A
Yes. You can park in the JA Shop parking lot. (Temporary parking is also available during busy periods.)
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
No.
Q
Are there any sightseeing spots nearby?
A
“Misugi Furusato Museum,” “Kiriyama Castle Ruins” (the Kitabatake clan’s castle, a 40–50 minute walk from the shrine, with a light hike),
“Mitake no Sakura” (around early April, Approx. 15 minutes by car from the shrine), and “Ishinahara Mitsumata Colony” (around from mid-March to mid-April, Approx. 10 minutes by car from the shrine, then Approx. 15 minutes on foot from the parking lot).
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 北畠神社
- Postal Code
- 515-3312
- Address
- 1148 Kamitagi, Misugi-cho, Tsu, Mie 515-3312
- Phone
- 059-275-0615
- Closed on
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2nd and 4th Wednesdays (if these fall on a national holiday or festival day, the following day will be closed. Please check in advance.)
Prayer is possible, but the garden is closed and the amulet office is also closed. Only the castle stamp is available at the Misugi Furusato Museum. - Hours
- Open for prayer at any time, garden admission 9:00am–4:30pm
- Admission
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Prayer: Free
Garden admission: Adults ¥500, students (high school age and older) ¥300 - Access
- Just a short walk from the “Kitabatake Jinja-mae” bus stop on the Tsu City Community Bus
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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