Update-date: Dec 10 2024
Categories:
Mie
Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture, located just a 30-minute drive or train ride from Nagoya, serves as the gateway to Ise Province, an area boasting a rich history spanning over 1,900 years. At Kuwana Soja (comprising of Kasuga and Nakatomi Shrines), which houses two swords crafted by Muramasa, one of the most famous swordsmiths in Japanese history, you can partake in a premium experience of holding one of his daggers, the Tanto Muramasa.
Known for their exceptional craftsmanship and quality, Muramasa’s works have left an indelible mark on history. Kuwana Soja’s collection, considered masterpieces, gives insight into why these swords are so highly regarded.
■ The shrine features masterpieces of Muramasa, which are designated as cultural properties of Mie Prefecture.
■ Hold Kuwana City's designated intangible cultural asset, the Tanto Muramasa dagger, in your own hands!
A unique shrine comprising two deities: Kuwana Shrine, dedicated to the god of prosperity, and Nakatomi Shrine, dedicated to the god of warding off misfortune
Founded approximately 1,900 years ago, Kuwana Soja is the oldest shrine in Kuwana, with its name recorded in the Heian-era Engishiki Jinmyocho. Pictured is the Romon tower gate. ©︎Kasuga Shrine
Kuwana Sochin Jusha, known locally as simply Kasuga Shrine, serves as the guardian shrine of Kuwana, protecting the entire region. It is believed to bring blessings for the prosperity of businesses, as well as future generations. The shrine houses numerous tangible cultural assets, including renowned Muramasa swords, which are considered masterpieces from the Muromachi period and designated as a cultural asset of Mie Prefectural, as well as a vermillion-sealed letter from the first lord of the Kuwana Domain, Honda Tadakatsu, and a statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Unlike typical wooden or stone constructions, this torii gate is made of bronze, making it the finest along the old Tokaido road. The area in front of the gate has long been considered a place of good fortune, lined with historic shops that preserve its rich heritage. © Kasuga Shrine
The entrance features a bronze torii gate that faces the old Tokaido road, which is often called the "foundation of Japan's transportation" as it connected Nihonbashi in Edo to Kyoto. Crafted in 1667 by the master metalworker Tsujiuchi Tanetsugu under the orders of feudal lord Matsudaira Sadashige, this cultural heritage piece remains accessible for visitors to touch and experience.
Left: Purify your hands and mouth at the chozuya before offering prayers.
Right: Stroll through the shrine grounds while listening to insights from Chief Priest Yoshihito Fuwa.
According to Chief Priest Yoshihito Fuwa, the chozuya well itself is also designated as a cultural property.
"During the Edo period, fresh spring water was scarce in Kuwana, but the well at Kuwana Soja produced clean and delicious water. While it was originally reserved for the gods and not accessible to the public, Emperor Meiji praised the water quality during his visit and ordered it to be made available to everyone, marking the beginning of its public access."
"During the Edo period, fresh spring water was scarce in Kuwana, but the well at Kuwana Soja produced clean and delicious water. While it was originally reserved for the gods and not accessible to the public, Emperor Meiji praised the water quality during his visit and ordered it to be made available to everyone, marking the beginning of its public access."
The main building, consisting of Kuwana Shrine and Nakatomi Shrine.
Kuwana Soja is a rare joint shrine that consists of two shrines: Kuwana Shrine, which enshrines the deity of prosperity believed to have existed around 1,900 years ago, and Nakatomi Shrine, which enshrines the deity of protection against misfortune, invited from Nara's Kasuga Taisha around 700 years ago.
"Although it is often said that having too many charms can lead to the gods fighting each other, at Kuwana Soja, the two shrines have peacefully coexisted for over 700 years. This is why many couples choose to have their Shinto weddings here.” – Chief Priest Fuwa.
"Although it is often said that having too many charms can lead to the gods fighting each other, at Kuwana Soja, the two shrines have peacefully coexisted for over 700 years. This is why many couples choose to have their Shinto weddings here.” – Chief Priest Fuwa.
The sword, considered a masterpiece among Muramasa swords, is a designated cultural asset of Mie Prefecture
A solemn atmosphere envelops the shrine as visitors receive a prayer from the shrine’s head priest, Yoshihito Fuwa. © Kasuga Shrine
Before holding the sacred "Muramasa," visitors proceed to the main hall.
After receiving a purification blessing, participants follow the procedure under careful guidance. Holding a tamagushi, a sacred sakaki branch adorned with paper streamers, they close their eyes and convey their wishes to the shrine’s deity.
After receiving a purification blessing, participants follow the procedure under careful guidance. Holding a tamagushi, a sacred sakaki branch adorned with paper streamers, they close their eyes and convey their wishes to the shrine’s deity.
Left: Chief Priest Fuwa. Once you step before the altar, bow twice, clap your hands twice, bow once more, and silently express your gratitude.
Right: Rotate the leaf clockwise, point the cut end toward the deity, and offer it.
Finally, visitors enter chokeiro, (also known as the Muramasa Museum) a space where you can encounter the treasured blade offered by Muramasa over 480 years ago. The room, which narrowly escaped the ravages of World War II, was relocated and transformed into a facility showcasing Muramasa blades in 2022. Visitors can sit on tatami mats and take their time appreciating the sword.
Left: Chokeiro, a place where you can calm your mind and see the Muramasa blades.
Right: Since the sword is typically viewed in a formal Japanese seated position, bare feet are not allowed during the visit.
The two Tachi Muramasa blades, designated as cultural assets of Mie Prefecture, were crafted by the second-generation Muramasa, a highly esteemed swordsmith from Kuwana in Ise Province (present-day Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture). These blades were offered as sacred treasures in 1543. Of the two swords, inscribed with the titles ‘Kasuga Daimyojin’ and ‘Misaki Daimyojin,’ one replica is available for viewing here.
In the foreground is the Tachi Muramasa Kasuga Daimyojin (replica). A characteristic feature of Muramasa blades is the alignment of the hamon (edge pattern) on both sides of the blade.
Typically, Muramasa swords are practical weapons used by samurai, but the Kasuga Daimyojin and Misaki Daimyojin held here are not only of historical significance but also highly valued as artistic and crafting masterpieces, according to Chief Priest Fuwa.
"When Muramasa offered his work to this shrine, which is considered the local tutelary shrine, he did so without setting any limits on materials or techniques, unlike when he received orders to create swords. He made and offered his finest blade. This is evident from the inscription carved on the sword. Typically, Muramasa blades are engraved with only the two characters '村正' (Muramasa), but on this sword at the shrine, the inscription reads 'Seishu Kuwana-gun Masuda-sho Fujiwara Asomi Muramasa Saku' (勢州桑名郡益田庄藤原朝臣村正作), a total of 15 characters, which includes his address and title. This inscription is considered the longest in the history of Muramasa." - Chief Priest Fuwa.
A Tachi Muramasa inscribed with the title ‘Kasuga Daimyojin.’
The participants of the premium tour were captivated by its sharp yet elegant form, leaning forward in interest, and asked Chief Priest Fuwa, "How does its elegance differ from other Muramasa swords?"
"First of all, just the length itself. Its blade measures 75.9 cm, and there is no other Muramasa this long and elegant. Additionally, the hamon is beautifully aligned on both sides, and the hilt, shaped like the belly of a fish, known as 'Tanago-bara,' is also considered an artistic feature of Muramasa," he replied.
"First of all, just the length itself. Its blade measures 75.9 cm, and there is no other Muramasa this long and elegant. Additionally, the hamon is beautifully aligned on both sides, and the hilt, shaped like the belly of a fish, known as 'Tanago-bara,' is also considered an artistic feature of Muramasa," he replied.
"Hold in your hands the "Tanto Muramasa," designated as an intangible cultural asset by Kuwana City!"
"Hold in your hands the "Tanto Muramasa," designated as an intangible cultural asset by Kuwana City!"
The Kuwana Soja houses five Muramasa swords, including two tachi (long swords). On this tour, participants have the rare opportunity to hold one of these, the Tanto Muramasa, designated as an intangible cultural asset by Kuwana City. Visitors are escorted to a private room, where they can specially handle the dagger. The blade's hamon is beautifully aligned on both sides, making it a true Muramasa masterpiece.
In ancient times, the dagger was given as a protective sword to the children of samurai families, serving as a safeguard against evil spirits and to protect them from harm.
Under the careful guidance of Chief Priest Fuwa, visitors are taught the key points to observe the sword as well as the proper way to appreciate it.
"Please avoid touching the iron parts and lift the sword carefully. Try holding it up to the light to experience the unique beauty of the Muramasa's hamon and curve, as well as the actual weight of the blade."
"Please avoid touching the iron parts and lift the sword carefully. Try holding it up to the light to experience the unique beauty of the Muramasa's hamon and curve, as well as the actual weight of the blade."
A rare opportunity to hold the Tanto Muramasa.
Although the Tanto Muramasa is technically a dagger, the participants expressed feelings of excitement, saying, "It's a real sword, so I felt nervous holding it," and "It was heavier than I expected. I could really feel the weight of history," each of them appearing a bit nervous.
Swords are at risk of deteriorating when exposed to air. Kuwana Soja takes meticulous care in managing their preservation.
"If a sword rusts, it must be polished, but polishing gradually diminishes its shape. That's why it is crucial to take good care of it to prevent rust from forming in the first place."
Additionally, as the Muramasa swords that are designated as cultural assets can only be displayed for limited periods, this opportunity to hold the Tanto Muramasa is exceptionally rare. It is undoubtedly a unique experience offered by Kuwana Soja, a site deeply connected to this famed blade and steeped in centuries of history.
Photography by Fumihiro Itabashi / Research, Writing, and Composition by Aki Fujii
Swords are at risk of deteriorating when exposed to air. Kuwana Soja takes meticulous care in managing their preservation.
"If a sword rusts, it must be polished, but polishing gradually diminishes its shape. That's why it is crucial to take good care of it to prevent rust from forming in the first place."
Additionally, as the Muramasa swords that are designated as cultural assets can only be displayed for limited periods, this opportunity to hold the Tanto Muramasa is exceptionally rare. It is undoubtedly a unique experience offered by Kuwana Soja, a site deeply connected to this famed blade and steeped in centuries of history.
Photography by Fumihiro Itabashi / Research, Writing, and Composition by Aki Fujii
Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.
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