NaraLeisure

Omiwa Shrine (大神神社)

Flow of the course

About 45 min here

About 15 min to the next stop

Next stop: Visit a shrine linked to Omiwa Shrine, said to be where Japan's first market once moved, then take a break in the temple town

About this spot

Considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan, it enshrines Mount Miwa itself as its sacred body. It has no main hall, preserving to this day the form of primitive Shinto in which Mount Miwa is worshipped directly. The grounds feature a huge torii gate and a solemn worship hall. Tsunakoshi Shrine (綱越神社), where the festival takes place, is a subsidiary shrine located near Omiwa Shrine's first torii gate, and serves as a haraedo-sha, a shrine for purifying oneself before worship.

Tips

Within walking distance of Miwa Station (三輪駅) on the JR Manyo Mahoroba Line. Admission is free. Some sections of the approach path have little shade in summer, so bring a hat or parasol for comfort.