Mitsumine Jinja (三峯神社) is located on Mt. Mitsumine which is part of the
Chichibu Saitama Prefecture. It is located about 30 miles northwest of Tokyo.
The word "Mitsumine" means "three peaks" and pays homage to wolves.
This shrine was given scared title as the reincarnation of Mitsumine.
The area around it, is covered with stone statues and wood carvings of these animals.
The reason why Mitsumine is dedicated to wolves is because of old Japanese folklore. The wolves' physical attributes such as speed and strength made people believe that they had supernatural powers. Farmers would go to the shrine to pray for their help to get rid of the animals that would eat or destroy their crops. They would give gifts and even sacrifices in the hope of receiving the wolves' aid. Today this belief still holds true. At the shrine, plaques with illustrations of wolves are still popular. It is said that the prayer written on the back of the plaque would be granted to that person.
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