Kashihara-jingu Shrine is one of the most sacred place in Japan

If you visit Nara Prefecture in Japan for sightseeing, I recommended that you visit Kashihara-jingu Shrine.

Though there are many historical temples and shrines in Nara, I strongly recommended this one.

This is because it is said that the land upon which Kashihara-jingu Shrine stands is the birthplace of the Japanese nation.

The first Emperor of Japan ascended to that place more than 2,600 years ago.

The Shrine was built over 130 years ago, and it has a huge land area with beautiful natural scenery.

Successive Emperors visited that place for important events during their time as Emperor, such as their enthronement.

Kashihara-jingu Shrine is one of the most sacred place in Japan.

At first, a huge wooden gate at the entrance of the shrine will catch your eye.

That gate is called, Torii. It represents a dividing line between sacred and secular areas.

Most shrines have Torii, and you might see them. But the Torii of Kashihara-jingu Shrine must be bigger than them.

The land area of the shrine is extremely large.

All the paths are covered with gravel.

There is a huge pond on the west side of the shrine.

The main shrine was relocated from Kyoto Imperial Palace, and it is designated as National Important Cultural Property.

You will certainly be amazed at the magnificent Japanese architecture.

The evergreen hill behind Kashihara-jingu Shrine is called, Unebi-yama.

The Imperial Mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu is on the hill.

Emperor Jinmu was the first emperor of Japan.

It is said that he was a human born from a goddess.

Japanese history that goes far back to ancient times is inseparable from mythology.

So, in other words, he is a mythological character, and there is no evidence of his existence.

However, he is defined in Japan’s official histories as the first emperor.

He is regarded as sacred and inviolable.

Kashihara-jingu Shrine, which enshrines Emperor Jinmu is special to the Japanese Imperial Household.