About Himuro Shrine
Himuro Shrine, located in a corner of Nara Park, is a rare shrine nationwide dedicated to the god of ice. During the Nara period, there was an “ice storage facility” (“himuro”) on Mount Kasuga in the upper reaches of the Yoshiki River, and the shrine was founded as its guardian deity. Currently, it is revered as the guardian deity of the ice-making and refrigeration industries, attracting worshippers from across the country.
Within the shrine grounds is a weeping cherry tree over 100 years old, known as “Nara’s First Cherry Blossom” for being the earliest blooming cherry tree in Nara, attracting many visitors in spring.
Points to Note During Your Visit
Ice Offering Festival (May 1st)
The Ice Offering Festival, held annually on May 1st, is Himuro Shrine’s largest festival. Ice-making and refrigeration companies from across the country attend, and a giant ice pillar over 1 meter tall is offered to the deity. Worshippers can touch this ice and pray for good health and protection from illness during the summer. After the festival, ice formations are offered to worshippers, a popular way to beat the summer heat.
Viewing the Weeping Cherry Blossoms (Late March to Early April)
The weeping cherry trees on the shrine grounds are the earliest to bloom in Nara, and when in full bloom, the sight of the pale pink blossoms cascading down like a waterfall is breathtaking. The best time to see the cherry blossoms is usually from late March to early April. While there is no illumination, enjoying the cherry blossoms in the natural daylight is also charming.
Ice Fortune Slips
The “ice fortune slips” unique to Himuro Shrine are a type of water fortune-telling where characters appear when the slip is floated on water. The contents of the fortune slip gradually appear when immersed in cold well water, making it a recommended souvenir of your visit.
Benefits
- Prosperity of the Ice-Making and Freezing Industries: As a divine virtue, it brings business prosperity to those involved in the ice-making, refrigeration, and food service industries.
- Summer Heat Relief and Health: Touching the ice from the Ice Offering Festival is believed to ensure a healthy summer.
- Exorcism and Good Fortune: It is believed that a pure heart, like ice, will ward off misfortune.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
Main Hall
The main hall, rebuilt during the Edo period, enshrines Tsuge no Inagi Oyamanushi no Mikoto, the god of ice.
Four-Legged Gate
The beautiful vermilion-lacquered four-legged gate is a symbol of Himuro Shrine, standing out against the greenery of Nara Park.
Pond and Garden
Carp swim in the pond on the shrine grounds, and visitors can enjoy the scenery of each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn leaves in fall.
Access
Access by Train and Bus
- From Kintetsu Nara Station: Approximately 15 minutes on foot
- From JR Nara Station: Approximately 20 minutes on foot, or immediately after alighting at the “Himuro Shrine/National Museum” bus stop on the Nara Kotsu bus line
- By Bus: Nara Kotsu bus “City Loop” (outer route), immediately after alighting at the “Himuro Shrine/National Museum” bus stop
Access by Car
There is no dedicated parking lot. Please use the nearby Nara Prefectural Parking Lot (paid) or Nara Noborioji Automobile Parking Lot (paid). The area around Nara Park can be crowded during peak tourist season, so we recommend using public transportation.
Basic Information
- Address: 1-4 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture
- Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is open from 9:00 to 17:00)
- Admission Fee: Free
- Estimated Time Required: Approximately 15-30 minutes
- Nearby Facilities: Nara National Museum (2-minute walk), Todai-ji Temple (10-minute walk), Kasuga Taisha Shrine (15-minute walk)
Visiting Etiquette
As the shrine is located within Nara Park, many deer can be seen on the grounds and in the surrounding area. Please be careful if you are carrying deer crackers, as you may be surrounded by deer. Also, it gets crowded during cherry blossom season, so visiting early in the morning is recommended.
