Hiraoka Shrine

Map

History & Origins

According to the shrine's tradition, it was first established three years before the accession of Emperor Jimmu, and was moved to its present site on the western foot of Mt. Ikoma in 650 (the 1st year of Hakuchi). Because it enshrines Ame no Koyane no Mikoto, the ancestral deity of the Fujiwara clan, it has deep ties to the Nakatomi clan, and when Kasuga Taisha was founded in the Nara period, a deity was divided from this shrine. In the Heian period, its divine rank reached the highest level, Shoichii.

Highlights

The grounds, spreading across the western slope of Mt. Ikoma, are lush and green, and the main hall is designated an Important Cultural Property. As the name 'Moto-Kasuga' indicates, a major feature is that it enshrines the same deities as Kasuga Taisha. The Shimenawa-kake Shinji (rope-hanging ritual) held every year on December 23 is known as a special ritual.

Visitor Guide

Access is very convenient: it is about a 1-minute walk from Hiraoka Station on the Kintetsu Nara Line. The grounds, set against Mt. Ikoma, are rich in nature and have a sacred atmosphere despite being right next to the station.

Best Season

Autumn leaves season (November) and spring (March to April), when the greenery of the grounds is beautiful, are recommended. The Shimenawa-kake Shinji in December is also well worth seeing.

Blessings

Annual Events

• January

  Kayu-ura Shinji (Rice Porridge Divination Rite)

  A special rite held on January 15, in which the harvest of the year is forecast by how the rice porridge turns out when cooked.

• February

  Reitaisai (Grand Annual Festival)

  The largest festival of the year, held on February 1.

• December

  Shimenawa-kake Shinji (Sacred Rope Hanging Rite)

  A special rite held on December 23, in which the large sacred rope on the grounds is replaced with a new one.

Travel Plan

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