Nara · Sights

Best Shrine in Nara

7 places, each checked by our team.

• Isonokami Jingu 石上神宮Tenri — Ancient shrine in Tenri mentioned in Japan's oldest chronicles, known for its free-roaming chickens and the legendary seven-branched sword.
• Kashihara Jingu 橿原神宮Kashihara — Large shrine at the foot of Mount Unebi dedicated to Emperor Jimmu, built in 1890 on the legendary site of his enthronement.
• Kasuga Taisha 春日大社Nara Park — Nara's most important shrine, founded in 768 and famous for its roughly 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns; part of the World Heritage site.
• Omiwa Shrine 大神神社Sakurai (Miwa) — One of Japan's oldest shrines, at the foot of sacred Mount Miwa in Sakurai; it has no main hall because the mountain itself is worshipped.
• Tanzan Shrine 談山神社Sakurai (Tonomine) — Mountain shrine in Tonomine enshrining Fujiwara no Kamatari, with the world's only wooden thirteen-storied pagoda and famous autumn colours.
• Yoshimizu Shrine 吉水神社Yoshino — Former Shugendo lodge on Mount Yoshino that sheltered Yoshitsune and Emperor Go-Daigo, with the 'Hitome Senbon' view of a thousand cherry trees.
• Yoshino Mikumari Shrine 吉野水分神社Yoshino (Kami Senbon) — Water and childbirth shrine in Yoshino's upper Kami Senbon area, with Momoyama-period halls and part of the Kii Mountains World Heritage site.