Table of Contents
What is Oharano Shrine?
Oharano Shrine is said to have been built in 784, when Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Nagaoka-kyo, by inviting the spirit of Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara. The shrine was the Fujiwara clan’s family deity, and after the capital was moved to Heian-kyo, it was respected as a shrine of national protection.
Basic Information
| Name | Oharano Shrine |
| Benefit | Political relations, protection from the sun, wisdom, and good marriage |
| Hours of operation | All day |
| Admission fee | Free of charge |
| Parking lot | Available (500 yen) |
| Location: 1152 Minamikasuga-cho, Oharano, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto | 1152 Minamikasuga-cho, Oharano, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 610-1153, Japan |
| TEL: 075-331-0014 | 075-331-0014 |
| Official website | http://oharano-jinja.jp/ |
Features and Highlights
- Highly prestigious shrine that is said to be the first branch of Kasuga-taisha Shrine
- Unique scenery, including a deer watering can and guardian deer, reminiscent of Nara
- Beautiful nature in each season, such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall
The majestic Kas uga-zukuri shrine pavilions : The tan-lacquered Kasuga-zukuri shrine pavilions were built in imitation of the Kasuga-taisha shrine in Nara. The gods enshrined in the four main halls and the Koisawa Pond, modeled after Sarusawa Pond, add to the atmosphere.
The shrine grounds are dotted with Sewa-i no Seisen, a clear spring that bubbles up from the ground, and Shinsen, a sacred spring hidden in the roots of an old tree. Visitors can feel the sacred energy of the shrine as they stroll through the tranquility of the temple grounds.
Spectacular view at the foot of Mount Koshio: The shrine is located at the foot of Mount Koshio and offers a beautiful view of the mountains from the grounds. In spring, the phantom Sengan cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in autumn, the shrine grounds are tinged with vermilion from the autumn leaves.
Event Information
Otagari Festival
| Events | Mitakarisai (Festival of the harvesting of rice seedlings) |
| Schedule | Second Sunday in September every year |
| Details | This is a traditional festival to pray for a good harvest. The highlight of the festival is the sumo wrestling to console the gods. A variety of events are also held, including a ring-entering ceremony and a night concert. |
| Location | Oharano Shrine |
How to access
From Hankyu Higashi Mukoichi Station or JR Mukoicho Station
- Take the Hankyu Bus bound for“Minami-Kasuga-cho ” and get off at the last stop, “Minami-Kasuga-cho” (about 20 minutes ride). 7-8 minutes walk toward the mountain.
From Hankyu Katsura Station
- Take Rinsei No. 2 city bus, get off at the last stop “Minamikasuga-machi” (20 minutes ride), and walk 7-8 minutes toward the mountain.
