KASHIHARA JINGU: THE RETURN OF THE EMPEROR
- José Carlos Gómez Delgado
- Apr 8, 2016
- 1 min read
Kashihara Jingu is a sanctuary located in the town of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture. Although is not an old construction, keeps a historical importance as the symbol of the transition from Feudal Japan Era to the modern age during the Meiji Restoration. In 1868 started a new political regime that marked the end of the Shogunate and the samurai class and the return of the Emperor's power as head of State. Kashihara Jingu was a symbolic reinforcement to the new imperial status, being constructed in the place where it is said that Jinmu, the first emperor of Japan, was enthroned. Jinmu and his consort Hime-tatara-Isuzu-hime were enshrined as deities of this shrine.
Besides its historical importance, the place offers a calm and relaxed atmosphere, and has several notable buildings. The main building (Honden) and the Chamber of the Sacred Dance were transferred from the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
The enclosure also includes a path of torii (Shinto gates) leading to a small and silent chapel, a park, and a pond, perfect to relax , reading a book or fedding the birds, as did the mother and daughter in the picture.
Kashihara Jingu is a ten minute walk from the station Kashihara Jingu-mae of Kintetsu line.
A good option is visit there as a conclusion of a trip to Asuka, since it is on the way back to Nara.
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