20 Shrines in Nara worth your time

A historic Nara shrine featuring a copper-roofed main hall, seasonal fire festivals, and a protected ancient sawtooth oak tree.

What it is

• A local shrine dedicated to the deity Oyamatsumi-no-mikoto.
• The main hall undergoes a full reconstruction every sixteen years.
• A public park with playground equipment occupies the former Ryufuku-ji temple site.
• The grounds include a dedicated Inari Shrine located south of the main hall.

What to see

• The main hall featuring a roof constructed from copper plates.
• A pair of stone foxes dedicated to the shrine in 1884.
• A protected sawtooth oak tree growing to the north of the main hall.
• Traditional shrine architecture and local playground facilities on the former temple grounds.

When to go

• January for the traditional Sagicho fire festival.
• September to witness the annual Fuchinsai ritual.
• October for the celebration of the Ujigami festival.
• November during the Niinamesai harvest festival.

Read more about Hakusan Shrine

An ancient Nara shrine dedicated to the deity of ice, featuring historic architecture and famous weeping cherry blossoms.

What it is

• Established in 710 by order of Empress Genmei in Nara City.
• Enshrines the deity Tsuge no Inagi Oyamanushi no Mikoto.
• Served as a major base for the Nanto Gakuso group.
• Dedicated to the ice making and selling industries.

What to see

• The main hall is a designated Tangible Cultural Property of Nara Prefecture.
• Front gate originally served as the Nikka-mon of the Imperial Palace.
• Large weeping cherry trees bloom on the shrine grounds.
• A mirror pond is located within the shrine complex.
• Situated in close proximity to Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple.

When to go

• Kenpyosai festival is held annually on May 1st.
• The annual shrine festival takes place on October 1st.

Getting there

• Located a 15-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.

Official site

himurojinja.jp

Read more about Himuro Shrine

A historic guardian shrine in Nara featuring Muromachi-period architecture and the prefecture's largest ceramic guardian lion dogs.

What it is

• The original guardian shrine for Daianji Temple, dedicated to Emperor Ojin and Empress Jingu.
• Tradition claims this location is the original site of the famous Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu Shrine.
• A site managed by two traditional hereditary guild groups known as Miyaza.
• Also known as Koyasu Hachiman-gu, where visitors pray for safe childbirth.

What to see

• The middle gate and corridors are designated Tangible Cultural Properties of Nara City.
• A main hall reportedly rebuilt by Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the year 1385.
• The largest ceramic guardian lion dogs found in Nara Prefecture.
• Small clay pigeons offered by visitors as prayers for safe childbirth.
• A middle gate dating back to the Muromachi period.

Official site

hachimanjinja.net

Read more about Daianji-Hachiman Shrine (Nara)

A historic Yamato Province shrine dedicated to mountain and nature deities, once known as a site for syncretic Buddhist worship.

What it is

• One of the fourteen historic Yamaguchi shrines located within the former Yamato Province.
• Dedicated to the mountain deity Oyamatsumi-no-kami along with Kukunichi-no-mikoto and Haniyasu-no-mikoto.
• A candidate for the Shikinaisha Taisha shrine with records dating back to at least 859.
• Formerly a site of Shinto-Buddhist fusion known as Hakusan Daigongen and Mizuguchi Myojin.

What to see

• The sacred grounds where a Buddhist temple stood until its abolition in 1907.
• The main sanctuary housing the primary deity Oyamatsumi-no-kami.
• Site of the former Wakamiya deity shrine once dedicated to Gozu Tenno.

Read more about Tsugeyamaguchi Shrine

Ancient shrine in Nara with unique architecture and a significant autumn festival.

What it is

• An Engishiki-naisha shrine in Gojo City, Nara Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Kuniumi Myojin, Hikofutsuoshinomikoto, and Haniyasu no Kami.
• Older than the neighboring Ansho-ji Temple, founded in the Asuka period.

What to see

• Worship hall, norito hall, and main sanctuary.
• Main sanctuary is a one-bay unpainted wood structure.
• Wooden statue of a deity from the Muromachi period.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on October 17th.

Getting there

• 20-minute walk from JR Wakayama Line Gojo Station.
• Dedicated parking lot available.

Address

奈良県五條市今井4丁目6番12号 Map

Read more about Uchi Shrine

Ikoma Shrine, an ancient Shinto site, offers unique architecture and cultural heritage.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture.
• Also known as Ikoma Taisha.
• Dedicated to Ikoma-tsuhiko-no-kami and Ikoma-tsuhime-no-kami.
• Mentioned in the 'Sogoku Fudoki' in 458 AD.

What to see

• Seven Kasuga-zukuri style buildings form the main hall.
• A Kannondo hall, a remnant of syncretism.
• A painted silk scroll of Ikoma Mandala.
• The shrine's sacred forest, a natural monument.

When to go

• Higami-sai festival on the second Sunday of October.

Getting there

• Accessible from Ichibu Station on the Kintetsu Ikoma Line.

Address

奈良県生駒市壱分町1527-1 Map

Official site

www.ikomataisha.com

Read more about Ikoma Shrine

Kangō Shrine: a historic Nara shrine with unique manju connections and Tokugawa Ieyasu artifacts.

What it is

• Founded in 593 by Ōmiwa-no-kimi Shiratsutsumi.
• Fujiwara Fuhito enshrined two Karakami deities in 717.
• Tokugawa Ieyasu donated land and repaired the shrine.
• Hayashi Shrine is Japan's only Manju (steamed bun) shrine.

What to see

• Main hall is a Nara Prefecture cultural property.
• Main hall was constructed in the Momoyama period.
• Suit of armor donated by Tokugawa Ieyasu is a city cultural property.

When to go

• Manju Festival is held on April 19th.

Getting there

• 2-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.

Address

奈良県奈良市漢国町2 Map

Official site

kangou-jinja.jp

Read more about Kangō Shrine

This ancient mountain shrine, a World Heritage Site, offers purification and healing for visitors.

What it is

• Ancient shrine on Mt. Tamaki, founded in 37 BCE.
• One of Japan’s oldest sacred sites.
• Revered spot for Shugendo practitioners.
• World Heritage Site since 2004.

What to see

• 200-year-old Main Hall of zelkova wood.
• Mihashira Shrine for protection and maritime safety.
• Tamaishi Shrine, a black rock among cedars, a power spot.
• Shrine Office and Kitchen with Edo-period paintings.
• Omikoshiden housing a portable shrine.
• Giant cedar trees, including 3,000-year-old Jindai-sugi.

When to go

• Annual festival on October 24.

Address

奈良県吉野郡 十津川村玉置川1 Map

Official site

www.tamakijinja.or.jp

Read more about Tamaki Shrine

Jinraku-ji Temple: ancient Shingon Ritsu temple with unique statues and a lotus pond.

What it is

• A Shingon Ritsu sect temple.
• Origin dates back to 647.
• Rebuilt by monk Ekai in 1759.

What to see

• White Chinese-style storehouse gate.
• Main image: Senju Kannon from the Heian period.
• Statue of Prince Shotoku to the right of the main image.
• Statue of Hata Kawakatsu to the left of the main image.
• Aji-ike pond, created by Kukai.
• Large Buddha painting discovered in 1979.

When to go

• July-August for lotus flowers in Aji-ike pond.

Getting there

• Near Kintetsu Kashihara Line Kasamui Station.

Address

奈良県磯城郡田原本町秦庄267 Map

Read more about Jinraku-ji Temple

Hidachi Shrine: an ancient Nara shrine dedicated to Sukunabikona-no-kami, rebuilt in the Edo period.

What it is

• Shrine founded by Nakatomi no Muraji.
• Dedicated to Sukunabikona-no-kami.
• Moved to Saho-oka in 794.
• Rebuilt by Tokugawa Yoshimune in the Edo period.

What to see

• Main hall, possibly a former Kasuga Taisha auxiliary shrine.
• Main hall, possibly a former Enomoto Shrine main hall.
• Subsidiary shrine enshrining Sahohime Okami.
• Stone mound enshrining Fujitaki Daimyojin.
• Worship hall and office rebuilt in late Meiji.

When to go

• Regular festival day is the 19th of every month.
• Grand festival day is April 29th.

Address

奈良県奈良市法蓮町1764 Map

Read more about Hidachi Shrine

Kashihara Jingū is a grand imperial shrine dedicated to Japan's first emperor.

What it is

• Shrine founded in 1890.
• Dedicated to Emperor Jinmu and Empress Himetataraisuzuhime-no-mikoto.
• One of the Association of Shinto Shrines' Beppyo Jinja.
• Stop 33 on the Shinbutsu Reijō Junpai no Michi pilgrimage.

What to see

• Main hall, originally from Kyoto Imperial Palace, built in 1855.
• Main hall is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
• Shrine grounds cover approximately 530,000 square meters.
• Located at the foot of Mount Unebi.

Getting there

• 6-minute walk from Kashiharajingu-mae Station.

Address

奈良県橿原市久米町934 Map

Official site

www.kashiharajingu.or.jp

Read more about Kashihara Jingū

A historic Shikinaisha Taisha shrine founded in 616 by the Hata clan to serve as a guardian for Hokiji Temple.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha Taisha shrine likely founded in 616 by the Hata clan
• Established as a guardian shrine for the nearby Hokiji Temple
• Formerly known as Tenmangu from the medieval period through the Edo period
• Dedicated to the deity Ike-no-kami according to records dating back to 730

What to see

• A Tenmangu shrine that was enshrined on the grounds in 949

Getting there

• A twenty-minute walk from Iwami Station
• A thirty-minute walk from Tawaramoto Station
• A forty-minute walk from Yanagimoto Station

Read more about Ikenimasu Asagiri Kihatahime Shrine

Uneme Shrine honors a court lady, offering a unique westward-facing view and a special autumn festival.

What it is

• A subsidiary shrine outside Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
• Built to console the spirit of an Uneme, a court lady.
• Dedicated to Uneme-no-Mikoto or Kotoshironushi-no-Mikoto.
• Founded by Gon-Chunagon Fujiwara Ason Yoshio-kyo.

What to see

• Shrine building faces west, away from Sarusawa Pond.
• Surrounded by mizugaki on the east and north.

When to go

• Uneme Matsuri is on August 15th of the lunar calendar.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from JR Nara Station.
• 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.

Address

奈良県奈良市樽井町15 Map

Read more about Uneme Shrine

Naramachi Tenjin-sha is a historic Shinto shrine in Nara, founded in 1078, with unique Edo-period architecture.

What it is

• Shinto shrine in Nara, also called Naramachi Tenjin-sha.
• Founded in 1078, it covers approximately 1,000 square meters.
• Dedicated to Sukunahikona-no-mikoto and Sugawara no Michizane.
• Became a guardian shrine for Gangoji Zenjoin and Kofukuji Daijoin.

What to see

• Honden is a Kasuga-zukuri style building from the mid-Edo period.
• Haiden is a Karahafu-zukuri style building from the mid-Edo period.
• Okuro is a Kirizuma-zukuri style building from the mid-Edo period.
• Houses subsidiary shrines including Asama Shrine and Akiba Shrine.

Address

奈良県奈良市高畑町1049 Map

Read more about Tenjin-sha

Ancient Mikumari shrine with National Treasure architecture, accessible by bus from Haibara Station.

What it is

• One of four Mikumari shrines in Yamato.
• Also known as Chusha, the middle shrine.
• Founded during the era of Emperor Sujin.

What to see

• Three main halls are designated National Treasures.
• First and third main halls date to 1320.
• Second main hall renovated in 1558.
• Kusuga Shrine is an Important Cultural Property.
• Munakata Shrine is an Important Cultural Property.

When to go

• Visit during the Utano Mikumari Festival.

Getting there

• Take a Nara Kotsu bus from Haibara Station.

Address

奈良県宇陀市菟田野古市場244-3 Map

Official site

www1.odn.ne.jp

Read more about Uda Mikumari Shrine

Ancient shrine dedicated to water deities, featuring unique architecture and archaeological finds.

What it is

• Ancient Shinto shrine in Nara Prefecture.
• Dedicated to the water deity Takaokami no Kami.
• Also enshrines Oyamatsumi no Kami and Ohirame no Kami.
• A Beppyo Jinja of the Association of Shinto Shrines.

What to see

• Current main hall built in 1998.
• Main hall uses old materials from Ise Grand Shrine.
• Miyanohira ruins discovered during excavation.
• Altar from the late Heian period was found.
• Stone circle structure from the Jomon period was found.

When to go

• Annual festival is held on October 8th.

Address

奈良県吉野郡川上村大字迫167 Map

Official site

web1.kcn.jp

Read more about Niukawakami Shrine Kamisha

Ancient shrine in Nara with unique merged history, housing distinct deities and sacred objects.

What it is

• A Shikinaisha shrine in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture.
• Formed by merging three shrines during the Muromachi period.
• Formerly known as Anashi Ohyōzu Shrine at this location.
• Designated a Prefectural Shrine in 1928.

What to see

• Main deity enshrined in the central hall.
• Sacred object of the main deity is a mirror.
• Wakamiya-no-kami enshrined in the right shrine.
• Wakamiya-no-kami's sacred objects are a magatama and bells.
• Ohyōzu-no-kami enshrined in the left shrine.
• Ohyōzu-no-kami's sacred object is a sword.

Address

奈良県桜井市大字穴師1065番地 Map

Read more about Anashi-Nimasu Hyōzu Shrine

Ancient shrine at the foot of Mount Tamukeyama, known for its autumn leaves.

What it is

• Also known as Tamukeyama Shrine.
• Invited from Usa Hachiman Shrine in 749.
• Enshrines Emperor Ojin and Hime Okami.
• Became independent from Todai-ji Temple in 1871.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in 1691.
• Main hall is a prefectural cultural property.
• Treasure house is an important cultural property.

When to go

• Known for beautiful autumn leaves.

Getting there

• Located east of Todai-ji Temple's Great Buddha Hall.
• Todai-ji Hokkedo (Sangatsudo) is north of the shrine.

Official site

tamukeyama.or.jp

Read more about Tamukeyama Hachiman Shrine

Ancient shrine dedicated to the Soga clan, offering a glimpse into early Japanese history.

What it is

• Ancient Shikinai-sha shrine, also called Iruka-no-miya.
• Dedicated to Sogatsuhiko-no-kami and Sogatsuhime-no-kami.
• Associated with the powerful Soga clan.
• Former Sonsha (village shrine).

What to see

• Main hall (Honden) and worship hall (Haiden).
• Inner gate (Chumon).
• Portable shrine storage hall (Omikoshi Shunoden).
• Shrine office (Shamusho).

When to go

• Annual festival (Reitaisai) is held on October 6.

Getting there

• Walk from Kintetsu Osaka Line Masuga Station.

Address

奈良県橿原市曽我町1196 Map

Read more about Soganimasu Sogatsuhiko Shrine

Nara's oldest shrine, Isagawa Awa Shrine offers unique architecture and a summer festival.

What it is

• Oldest shrine in Nara City.
• Also known as Komori Myojin.
• Listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho.
• Rebuilt in 1190 with Kofuku-ji Temple support.

What to see

• Main hall enshrines Himetataraisuzuhime-no-mikoto.
• Sai Okami enshrined on the right side of the main hall.
• Tamagushihime-no-mikoto enshrined on the left side.
• Main hall consists of three connected buildings.
• Main hall is a prefectural tangible cultural property.

When to go

• Annual Saikusa Matsuri festival is on June 17.

Read more about Isagawa Awa Shrine