- Culture
- Nara
Tanzan Shrine
A place enshrining a hero of ancient Japanese history features stunning cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in autumn
Tanzan Shrine, located on Mount Tonomine in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, enshrined Fujiwara no Kamatari, who launched the Taika Reform in the 7th century. It is such an important event in ancient Japanese history that it appears in every Japanese history textbook. This mountain came to be known as Katarai-yama (mountain of discussion), as Kamatari met with Prince Naka no Oe in secret on this mountain in 645 to plan the reform. This episode was the reason why the shrine was named "Tanzan" because it also means mountain of discussion. The shrine is also well known as a viewing spot for cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in fall, when the leaves on the 3,000 maple trees turn a vivid bright red. Actually, it really is a place to enjoy beautiful views all year round, and the fresh, lush greenery in early summer is another must-see attraction.
13-story Pagoda
Tanzan Shrine's beautiful 13-story pagoda was originally built in 678 and is a designated Important Cultural Property. Its construction was believed to be directed by two sons of Fujiwara no Kamatari for their father. The current version, however, was built in 1532 and is 17 meters tall. Featuring a traditional roof of layered Japanese cypress bark shingles, it is well known as the only existing wooden pagoda with 13 stories.
Kemari Festival
Kemari, which was brought to Japan from China 1,400 years ago, is a type of ball game with eight players in a circle kicking and keeping the ball in the air. A festival featuring this game is held at Tandan Shrine, where Fujiwara no Kamatari is enshrined, in spring and fall every year. Legend has it that Kamatari met Prince Naka no Oe for the first time at a kemari meeting at Hoko-ji Temple in Asuka (present-day Nara). Players wear historical attire and play the game following a strict set of rules and manners.
Location
| Name | Tanzan Shrine |
|---|---|
| Website | http://tanzan.or.jp/english/ |
| Address | 319 Tonomine, Sakurai-shi, Nara |
| Access | From the south exit of Sakurai Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line or JR Sakurai Line, take a bus bound for Tanzan-jinja for approximately 25 minutes. (The bus runs once an hour. Once in 2 hours depending on time.) |
| Business Hours | 8:30 to 17:00 (Last entry: 16:30) |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0744-49-0001 |
| Admission | Adult: 600 yen; Elementary school student: 300 yen |
