Visit Nara

Built to venerate Mt. Ikoma around AD458, this Shinto shrine is now dedicated to seven fire and war gods, with a close connection to the Imperial Family. The annual fire festival is registered as one of Japan’s intangible cultural assets. On October 10 and 11 every year, the Hi Matsuri sees two men race down the stone steps of the shrine carrying huge flaming torches on their shoulders. There are also traditional dance performances, taiko drumming and processions over the two days. The Imperial Family uses sacred wood from the forest behind the shrine for their own ceremonial fires. Set in a forest with well maintained wooden structures and brass lanterns, it is an attractive shrine to visit at any time of year.