Tanzan Shrine: A Historic Shrine Honoring Fujiwara no Kamatari

📍 Basic Information 🏝 Name: Tanzan Shrine (Tanzan Jinja) 📮 Address: 319 Tonomine, Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture ⏰ Visiting Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Last Entry: 4:00 PM) 📅 Admission Fee: Adults 600 yen / Elementary School Students 300 yen 🚗 Access: About 25 minutes by bus from Kintetsu/JR Sakurai Station, 3-minute walk from the final stop --- ✨ Highlights Historical Background and Legends It is said that Fujiwara no Kamatari held discussions with Prince Naka no Oe (later Emperor Tenji) here regarding the plan to overthrow Soga no Iruka, giving rise to the name "Tanzan" (Mountain of Talks). Before the separation of Shinto and Buddhism in the Meiji era, it was integrated with Myorakuji Temple and other structures, and it houses numerous buildings and cultural assets. Architectural Beauty and Cultural Assets The shrine grounds feature the 17-meter-tall Wooden Thirteen-Story Pagoda, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan, as well as the vermilion-painted main hall and tower gate, all of which are highly regarded for their beauty. During the autumn foliage season, the contrast between the fiery red maple leaves and the vermilion pagoda is considered breathtaking, and the area is often illuminated at night. Matchmaking and Love Fulfillment The shrine's East Hall (Koi Jinja, or Love Shrine) enshrines Queen Kagami, attracting many visitors who pray for matchmaking and good relationships. The fluttering banners dedicated by worshippers add to the shrine's charm.