熱田神宮と三種の神器

熱田神宮 (Atsuta Jingu, Atsuta Shrine) keeps, officially, one of 三種の神器 (Sansyu no Jingi, the three sacred emblems/treasures for the Imperial Family of Japan), which grant the authority to the Emperor. Thus, the Emperor owns those emblems (Mirror, Jade/Jewel and Sword), and 熱田神宮 keeps the sword 天叢雲剣 (Amenomurakumo no Tsurugi) for the Emperor. The sword is also called 草薙剣 (Kusanagi no Turugi).

As the legend goes, スサノオ (Susanoh), a god, was expelled from the heaven for his violence/hooliganism and wandering in Japan. One day, he was asked to rescue a girl who was about to be sacrificed for ヤマタノオロチ (Yamata no orochi, Snake with Eight Heads). Susanoh prepared 8 pots filled with Japanese rice wine and made 8 heads of the snake completely drunk. Then, he killed it. The sword was found in the tail of the snake.

If this tale of the snake remind you of eel, try ひつまぶし (Hitsumabushi) in 蓬莱軒 (Hourai Ken) next to 熱田神宮. 蓬莱軒 was established in 1873 and keeps its unique eel dish as its tradition. It looks a normal eel rice bowl, but it is actually unique. You will divide the whole bowl into 4 parts and then eat each of them separately in different style. First one, eat just as it is. Second part, put some seasonings of scallion, のり (nori) and わさび (Wasabi) on the top. Third, put the same seasonings and pour soup. Forth, try your favorite style among the three. I went to both of 熱田神宮 and 蓬莱軒 this summer to try this eel. It was quite interesting.

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