Shinto shrine
Hotaka Jinja
穂高神社（ほたかじんじゃ）
Azumino, Nagano Prefecture
A Myōjin Taisha listed in the Engishiki, in Hotaka, Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, revered as the chief guardian shrine of the Japan Alps. Hotakami no Mikoto, who is regarded as the ancestral kami of the sea-kami clan, is enshrined in the central hall, with Watatsumi no Mikoto and Ninigi no Mikoto in the left and right halls.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Enshrined kami: Hotakami no Mikoto (central hall), Watatsumi no Mikoto (left hall), Ninigi no Mikoto (right hall). Amaterasu Ōmikami in the Bekkū, and Azumi no Muraji Hirafu no Mikoto in the Wakamiya
History and things to know
According to shrine tradition, the Azumi clan, descendants of Hotakami no Mikoto, took charge of sea transport and distinguished themselves in the development of Shinano, and the shrine is recorded as a Myōjin Taisha in the Jinmyōchō of the Engishiki, compiled in Enchō 5. For more than 500 years it has continued the shikinen sengū, rebuilding its three-hall main sanctuary every 20 years, and the record from Bunmei 15 is regarded as its oldest construction record. The inner shrine (okumiya) is beside Myōjin Pond in Kamikōchi, and the summit shrine (minemiya) is on the peak of Mt. Okuhotaka.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
The main shrine is in Hotaka, Azumino City. The inner shrine is beside Myōjin Pond in Kamikōchi and the summit shrine is on the peak of Mt. Okuhotaka; each is in a separate place.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 穂高神社「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
This site is independent of the shrines, temples, and other websites mentioned. No partnership or endorsement is implied.