Kashihara Jingū

Overview

Kashihara Jingū is a Shinto shrine in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, situated at the foot of Mount Unebi. It was built in 1890 on the presumed site of the Kashihara-gū, where Japan's first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, is said to have acceded to the throne.

Highlights

• ●Shrine buildings standing on the presumed site of the ancient Kashihara-gū palace
• ●Part of the shrine buildings is designated an Important Cultural Property, and some buildings are known to have been designed by architect Itō Chūta
• ●One of the most visited New Year shrines in Nara Prefecture during the first three days of January
• ●The Mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu located immediately to the north of the shrine grounds

History

The shrine was founded on April 2, 1890, on the site associated with the Kashihara-gū, the palace where Emperor Jimmu, Japan's legendary first emperor, is said to have ascended the throne. Although a modern foundation of the Meiji era, part of the shrine's buildings is designated an Important Cultural Property. Some of the shrine's buildings are also known to have been designed by the architect Itō Chūta. It formerly held the rank of Kanpei-taisha and was also designated an Imperial-messenger shrine.

Map

34.4880, 135.7876 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Walk the approach path with Mount Unebi rising behind the shrine grounds
2. 2View the shrine architecture, including buildings designated an Important Cultural Property and buildings designed by Itō Chūta
3. 3Continue to the nearby Mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu
4. 4Take in the wooded surroundings of Mount Unebi around the shrine precincts

Did you know?

💡 Despite being a modern Meiji-era foundation, the shrine attracts the largest New Year crowds of any shrine in Nara Prefecture.

Nearby spots