Haruna Shrine

Haruna Shrine is an ancient shrine in Gunma Prefecture that has become a popular power spot, drawing many worshippers from young people to seniors. It is located on the mid-slope of Mt. Haruna, one of the Jomo Sanzan (three famous mountains of Gunma). It is said to have been founded about 1,400 years ago during the era of Emperor Yomei (the 31st emperor). The precincts are surrounded by deep forest and many unusual and massive rock formations. The main sanctuary, heiden, and haiden (treated together as one structure) form a complex shrine building that connects a Kasuga-style main sanctuary and an irimoya-style worship hall via the heiden; it was rebuilt about 200 years ago in Bunka 3 and is designated a nationally important cultural property. The honden is connected to the sacred rock behind it, “Misugata-iwa,” which is said to be the true main sanctuary; the enshrined deity is worshipped within a cave in Misugata-iwa. The grounds also include many cultural assets and natural monuments beyond the main complex, such as the Yatate-sugi cedar, where Takeda Shingen is said to have performed an arrow-raising rite and prayed for victory during his campaign against Minowa Castle. Because bus access takes time from the station, visiting by car may be more convenient.