Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2014

Musashi-Mitake Shrine is located 929 meters above sea level at the summit of Mount Mitake. At a two-hour train ride from central Tokyo, it may seem a bit far, but it’s technically part of the city—and offers a great view. The shrine is right in the middle of Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, which boasts more than 1250 square kilometers of almost untouched nature. In service for nearly 2,000 years, Musashi-Mitake Shrine annually hosts the Hinode Matsuri (Sunrise Festival), and while the initial procession is a solemn affair, there’s a kagura (Shinto music-and-dance) performance at the end. The shrine is open until late in the evening before the festival, offering a rare night view of the entire city.
May 7-8, Musashi-Mitake Shrine.