Perched high in the mountains at an elevation of 1,300 meters, Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha is a shrine revered as the deity of performing arts.
Shrines and Temples
World Heritage
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Highlights
Revered as the deity of performing arts
Perched high in the mountains at an elevation of 1,300 meters
Famous as a power spot
One of the Three Great Benzaiten Shrines of Japan, alongside Itsukushima and Takeshima
The Benzaiten statue enshrined in the main hall is usually not open to the public; it is only unveiled during the annual festival held from July 16th to 17th
Take the Nara Kotsu bus, Route 7, bound for Nakaiōsumi (なかいおすみ), from Kintetsu Yoshino Line Shimoichiguchi Station. Get off at the Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha bus stop (only 3 buses a day). Alternatively, take Route 2 bound for Dōgawa Onsen, get off at Tenkawa Kawai, and then walk for about 30 minutes.
Head south on National Route 309, turn right at the Tenkawa Kawai intersection, and continue for about 3km. Show route
Op.Hours
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Cld.Days
Irregular holidays
Fee
Adults ¥500, Children ¥300
INFO
Parking is free.
Access: From Kintetsu Yoshino Line Shimoichiguchi Station, take the Nara Kotsu bus route 7 bound for Nakaio-jū. Get off at the Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha bus stop (only 3 buses a day). Alternatively, take route 2 bound for Dōgawa Onsen and get off at Tenkawa Kawai, then walk for about 30 minutes.
Drive south on National Route 309, turn right at the Tenkawa Kawai intersection, and continue for about 3km.
Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha is a shrine located in Tenkawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, revered as the deity of the performing arts.
Nestled deep in the mountains at an altitude of 1,300 meters, it has been a site of pilgrimage for those in the performing arts and those seeking business prosperity since ancient times.
Its foundation dates back to the Asuka period, when it was first enshrined as the guardian deity of Mount Mi-sen (弥山), the highest peak, preceding the enshrinement of Zaō Gongen during the opening of Mount Ōmine by En no Gyōja.
It is said that Kūkai, the founder of Mount Kōya, spent three years practicing austerities on Mount Ōmine before establishing his monastery, and that Tenkawa Jinja was his primary training ground.
Legend holds that the shrine building was constructed during the reign of Emperor Tenmu, who prayed here for victory in the Jinshin War and made a generous donation after his success.
Beneath the shrine's main hall lies an ancient sacred rock. According to shrine traditions, Emperor Jimmu received the sacred words of Hinomoto (the land of the rising sun) here.
Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha is not only revered as the deity of the performing arts but is also famous as a power spot, attracting numerous tourists.
The shrine grounds include, besides the main hall, an inner shrine, a kagura hall (for sacred dances), and a treasure hall, offering abundant sights to behold.
The Benzaiten statue enshrined in the main hall is usually not open to the public; it is only unveiled during the annual festival held from July 16th to 17th, accompanied by various prayers, the Heart Sutra, sacred dances, and performances by Noh actors and other artists.
Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha is situated in a lush mountain setting, exuding a sacred atmosphere in its tranquil surroundings. It's a perfect place for those seeking to escape the daily hustle and bustle and refresh their minds and bodies.
Moreover, Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha is famous as the setting for the film "Tenkawa Densetsu Satsujin Jiken" (天河伝説殺人事件). It's a must-visit pilgrimage spot for fans of the film.
Tenkawa Daibenzaiten-sha, located in Tenkawa Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, is a true power spot where history, faith, and nature harmoniously coexist.
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