Mount Mitake

Overlooking Mitake village and its gorge, Mt Mitake hosts on its top (929m) ryokan, houses and the beautiful Musashi Mitake Shrine. According to legend, the Musashi temple was erected over 2000 years ago, and features some gorgeous stone statues of Inari Wolf. Still according to the legend, it is said that Prince Yamato Takeru, the son of Japan’s 12th Emperor got lost in the forest of Mt Mitake after a demon transformed himself into a wild stag and led the Prince off a path. Lost and cold, the Prince was led to safety by a giant White Wolf. It is only after the prince went back home that he decided to proclaim the wolf as a deity and official guardian and protector of Mount Mitake.