🗺️ Kashihara Jingu橿原神宮

According to the earliest historical record in Japan, the "Nihon Shoki," "Kashihara" is the birthplace of Japan. Based on the account of the first emperor, Emperor Jimmu, ascending the throne at his palace in Kashihara, the Kashihara Jingu was established in 1890. The main deities enshrined are Emperor Jimmu and Empress Isukiri-hime. In the vast sacred area of approximately 530,000 square meters, with the lush Mt. Unebi as a backdrop, several shrines including the main shrine, the offering hall, and various worship halls are distributed throughout the grounds. The main shrine, where the principal deities are enshrined, was relocated from the Naishi-sho (the sacred place) of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and along with the Bunka-den (a building that was moved and restored from the former Oda clan's Yanagimoto residence), it has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The Kagura-den was also relocated from the Shin-Kaiden of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The Treasure Hall, opened in 2000 to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the shrine's establishment, displays precious treasures donated from various sectors since its founding, including the sacred sword donated by Emperor Meiji, the sacred mirror "Shirogane Hakkyo," donated by Empress Shoken, and "Seiki Hoko," created by Yokoyama Taikan. The approach lined with oak trees exudes a solemn atmosphere, and the impressive 9,500 square meter Fukada Pond has been developed with walking paths, making it an excellent place for a stroll. Legend has it that Emperor Jimmu overcame various hardships from Hyuga Province (Miyazaki Prefecture) and took six years to reach Yamato Province (Nara Prefecture) to establish the Kashihara Jingu. He reigned for 76 years and lived to the age of 127, a longevity that this shrine is believed to bless with "health and longevity." Additionally, the talismans and omikuji (fortune slips) of Kashihara Jingu are designed with the "Yatagarasu," the three-legged crow sent by Amaterasu to guide Emperor Jimmu to Yamato, as well as designs modeled after the sweetfish used for divining national stability and the golden phoenix that led Emperor Jimmu to victory, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship.

The shrine is dedicated to the first Emperor of Japan, Emperor Jimmu. The main hall is a precious building that was relocated from the Naishi-sho (Kenshō) of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. The sacred area covers an extensive 530,000 square meters, featuring vast forests and ponds, making it suitable for leisurely strolls. Visitors pray for blessings, good fortune, health, and longevity. It is possible to obtain amulets and fortunes designed with symbols deeply connected to Japan's first emperor, such as the golden phoenix (金鵄), the eight-span bird (八咫鳥), and the sweetfish (鮎魚).