Yamato Shrine

Overview

Yamato Shrine, located in Tenri City, Nara Prefecture, is known as one of Japan's oldest shrines. Its enshrined deity is Yamato-Ookuni-tama no Ookami, and it has been revered as a god of national protection since ancient times. The history of Yamato Shrine stretches back to ancient times and is recorded in the Nihon Shoki. Legend says it was built during the reign of Emperor Sujin to enshrine Yamato-Ookuni-tama no Ookami. Later, it flourished under the patronage of the Imperial Court. However, it declined due to factors such as the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo, the rise of the Fujiwara clan, and fires. During the Edo period, the shrine's buildings were rebuilt in a temple style. However, when it was elevated to the status of Kanpei Taisha (a state shrine) during the Meiji period, new shrine buildings were constructed. Even today, the sacred atmosphere of the grounds draws many worshippers. The grounds boast numerous sights, including the main sanctuary (three halls), middle gate, offering hall, Takaookami Shrine, Asahi Shrine, Koto Shiro-nushi Shrine, Itsukushima Shrine, the shrine office, the ancestral spirits shrine, the Battleship Yamato exhibition room, Asawa Kaikan hall, Masu Miko Shrine, a monument commemorating the victory in the Sino-Japanese War, a memorial for the war dead, a monument related to the Battleship Yamato, a cherry tree planted by Admiral Ito Seiichi, a Kogo-Koraihi (Man'yōshū poem monument), and the Hoshizuka Kofun (tumulus). Yamato Shrine is a power spot brimming with history and mystery. We highly recommend a visit to experience its sacred atmosphere.