One of the most important Shinto (神道, Shintō) sites in Chichibu, the Mitsumine Shrine's entrance features a rare mitsu-torii (三ツ鳥居, a triple torii gate) as opposed to the usual double torii (鳥居). Rather than usual koma inu (狛犬, Lion-dogs) that guard the entrance to the shrine, the shrine is guarded by two stone okami (狼, Ōkami, Wolf) instead. One of the rare shrines that worship Japanese wolves, you can find many wolf motifs around the shrine, including at the shrine gift shop. These wolves are thought to be guardians against misfortune.
As you enter the shrine, you will pass through the Zuishinmon Gate (瑞神門) and move on to the main shrine. You will find that unlike many shrines, these buildings are adorned with vivid colors and numerous paintings of animals and flowers, something seldom seen in Japan. One of the other popular shrines with this style of design is the UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture.
