Kashihara Jingu

Kashihara Jingū is a major Shinto shrine at the eastern foot of Mount Unebi in Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, enshrining Emperor Jimmu — Japan's legendary first emperor — and his consort Hime-tatara-Isuzuhime. The site is traditionally identified with Kashihara Palace, where Jimmu is said to have ascended the throne in 660 BCE according to the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. The shrine itself was founded in 1890 (Meiji 23) after petitions from private citizens who wished to honor Emperor Jimmu at the site of his legendary palace. Emperor Meiji approved the project and donated two major buildings from the Kyoto Imperial Palace — the Kensh'ōden (now the main hall) and the Kagura-den (now the worship hall). Its establishment was part of the Meiji government's nation-building project. The shrine precinct covers approximately 530,000 square meters and is classified as a Kampei-Taisha (first-rank imperial shrine). Today the shrine ranks among Japan's most visited, drawing over one million worshippers during New Year alone. The Kigensetsu Festival on February 11 (National Foundation Day) is its most important annual rite, attended by an imperial envoy. The sweeping approach, towering cryptomeria trees, and vast sacred grounds create one of the most impressive shrine settings in the Kinki region.

Kashihara Jingu is located in Kashihara-shi, Nara. The full address is: 934 Kume-cho, Kashihara-shi, Nara.

The enshrined deities are: Emperor Jimmu, Himetatara Isuzuhime.