Visit the historic shrine dedicated to the fire deity. End your day wrapped in the tranquility of the sacred grove
About this spot
Officially known as Ikoma-ni-imasu Ikoma-tsu-hiko Jinja (往馬坐伊古麻都比古神社), this is an ancient shrine that reveres Mt. Ikoma itself as its deity. Long known as the deity of fire-starting wood (hikiriggi), the sacred wood used in the Emperor's Great Thanksgiving Festival, it has a distinguished history of dedicating this wood. The annual Autumn Festival in October, known as the "Fire Festival," is famous for its spirited fire rituals and is designated as an intangible folk cultural property of Nara Prefecture. The sacred grove surrounding the shrine buildings is a natural monument of the prefecture, and as you climb the stone steps, you can feel the air becoming increasingly pure. The tranquility of the forest is soothing for bodies tired from play, making it the perfect place for a family to end the day with a moment of prayer.
Tips
About 7 minutes on foot from Ichibus Station on the Kintetsu Ikoma Line; about 10 minutes by car from Ikoma Foothills Park. The shrine grounds are reached by climbing longer stone steps, so it's safer to leave your stroller by the torii gate and carry children. Entry is free. In the evening, allow time to descend the stone steps before dark.
Best time to visit
About 30 minutes. Late afternoon when dappled sunlight filters through the sacred grove is particularly atmospheric and divine
Access & map
〒630-0222 Isshimachicho 1527-1, Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture
Model course featuring this spot
Ikoma: Cable Car to the Mountain-Top Amusement Park
Nara
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