What to know
Kashihara Shrine (橿原神宮, Kashihara-jingū) was founded in 1889 to honor Emperor Jimmu, Japan's legendary first emperor. The shrine stands on the very spot where Jimmu is said to have ascended the throne. Though relatively modern, it is a major and popular shrine, set within a preserved forest sanctuary at the foot of Mount Unebi, one of the three sacred Yamato mountains.
The spacious grounds feature pleasant forest paths winding around the shrine buildings. Emperor Meiji donated two structures from the Kyoto Imperial Palace when the shrine was built. One of these now serves as the main hall (honden), visible from the prayer hall (haiden) at a distance.
Kashihara Shrine is a short walk from Kashiharajingu-mae Station—about two minutes by rental bicycle or ten minutes on foot.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 5:30 to 18:00 (varies seasonally)
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- Free
- English name
- Original name
- Kashihara Shrine
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.