Kashiharajingu Shrine

Outer Prayer Hall with the large Ema & Mt. Unebiyama in the background 

 General Information

Surrounded by lush greenery and backed by Mt. Unebiyama, Kashiharajingu Shrine is built where the mythical first Emperor of Japan, Jimmu, is believed to have established the throne, marking the beginning of the Japan's monarchy.

The center of many local festivals and events, it is the most visited shrine in Nara Prefecture for "hatsumode", the first Shinto shrine visit of the New Year. Big not only in precinct, the shrine's majestic cypress torii gate towers at 9.77m and its huge wooden ema (plaque), which displays the year's zodiac animal, is one of the largest of its kind.

Completed in 1890, Kashiharajingu Shrine was constructed to formally enshrine Emperor Jimmu and his consort, Hime-tatara-Isuzu-Hime, in recognition of their status as the first generation of the Imperial Family. Two halls from the Kyoto Imperial Palace were relocated here and used as the Honden (main hall) and Kaguraden (sacred dancing hall). The mausoleum of Emperor Jimmu can also be found within walking distance from the shrine.

Legend has it that Emperor Jimmu overcame seemingly impossible odds to reach Kashihara in his conquest to the East and under his rule, there was co-prosperity amongst the people. He was believed to have lived till 127 years of age. As such, visitors usually come to this shrine to pray for luck, prosperity and longevity. Every year in April, a spring festival affectionately named "Jimmusai" is held to honor the country's first emperor.

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General Information

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