Overview
Goryo Shrine stands in Yakushidocho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture. Also known as the Nanto Goryo Shrine and Konomi Goryo, it held the former rank of village shrine. Set in a corner of the Naramachi district, southwest of the ruins of the five-story pagoda of Gango-ji, it enshrines the Eight Great Deities including Empress Inoe and Prince Osabe. Together with the Sudo-tenno Shrine in Saikiji-cho, it is counted as one of the two great Goryo shrines of Nanto (the southern capital), a venerable center of goryo faith.
Highlights
- ●A tradition of founding in 800 by order of Emperor Kanmu
- ●A goryo shrine enshrining the Eight Great Deities, including Empress Inoe and Prince Osabe
- ●One of the two great Goryo shrines of Nanto, alongside Sudo-tenno Shrine
- ●A Naramachi setting southwest of the Gango-ji pagoda ruins
History
According to shrine tradition, it was founded in 800 (the 19th year of the Enryaku era) by order of Emperor Kanmu. Rooted in goryo faith, which seeks to calm the spirits of those who met tragic deaths and to protect people from calamity, the shrine enshrines eight great deities including Empress Inoe and Prince Osabe. Named together with the Sudo-tenno Shrine in Saikiji-cho as one of the two great Goryo shrines of Nanto, it has long stood as a central presence of goryo belief in the ancient capital of Nara. For details of its origins and festivals, please refer to official information.
Access
The shrine sits in Yakushidocho, near latitude 34.67 and longitude 135.83, within the Naramachi district lined with lattice-fronted townhouses. It is reachable on foot from Kintetsu Nara and JR Nara stations and lies right beside the ruins of the five-story pagoda of Gango-ji. As many of the surrounding lanes are narrow, it is best visited on foot as part of a town stroll. Please check official information for visiting hours.
Best season
For a visit combined with a walk through Naramachi, the mild weather of spring and autumn is most comfortable. Timing your visit to the shrine's annual events, such as its main festival, lets you experience the solemn atmosphere unique to a shrine of goryo faith. Please confirm festival dates in official information.
Map
34.6762, 135.8309 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Enter Naramachi from Kintetsu Nara Station and walk the old streets
- 2Visit the ruins of the Gango-ji five-story pagoda and imagine its former grandeur
- 3Pay respects at Goryo Shrine just to the southwest and touch its goryo history
- 4Round off the walk by browsing Naramachi's townhouse cafes and craft shops
Did you know?
💡 The alternate name Konomi Goryo and the title of one of the two great Goryo shrines of Nanto, shared with the Sudo-tenno Shrine, both attest to the special place this shrine has held in Nara's goryo faith. Empress Inoe and Prince Osabe, enshrined here, are known as figures marked by the tragedies of history.
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