Nara

Tamakura Shrine – A Sacred Spot Said to “Call” Its Visitors Tamakura Shrine is located near the summit of Mt. Tamaki, a 1,076-meter-high sacred mountain in Nara Prefecture. It lies along the Omine Okugake-michi, a UNESCO World Heritage pilgrimage trail long revered by Shugendo monks. The mountain is rich in history, folklore, and biodiversity, and has been considered a spiritual site since ancient times. The shrine is said to have been founded in 37 BCE by Emperor Sujin, making it one of Japan’s oldest sacred sites. In addition to the main hall (honden), the shrine grounds feature several smaller shrines, ...