Tanzan Jinja

Shrine

4.5

This Shinto shrine’s origin dates back to when statesman Fujiwara no Kamatari’s son, Fujiwara no Joe, had his father’s ashes moved here and built a 13-tier pagoda in 678. Prior to the official separation of Buddhism and Shintoism in the country, the shrine was a Buddhist temple called the Tonomine Temple. The pagoda, rebuilt in 1532 and a designated Important Cultural Property, is the only extant 13-tier pagoda in the world. Beyond the shrine stands a mountain said to be the location where Emperor Tenjin and Fujiwara no Kamatari discussed the Taika Reform. The mountain thus came to be called “Tanzan,” or the Mountain of Discussion, hence the shrine’s name. In the spring, a 600-year old usuzumi cherry tree and designated Natural Monument comes in to bloom, and the shrine is thus known as a beautiful site for cherry blossom viewing. In addition, in autumn, visitors can enjoy the shrine’s fall foliage when it is colored by over 3,000 maple trees.

Spot details

Address: Nara Pref. Sakuraishi Tounomine 319 Map
Area: Yamanobe Road / Sakurai Area
Phone: 0744490001
Hours: 8:30-16:30(Information desk closed)
Closed: open everyday
Fees: [Admission fee]Adults600yen, Children300yen
Parking Lot: Available (private car 300 spaces)
Credit Card: Not available
Smoking: Not available
Wi-Fi: Available
Can be enjoyed even on a rainy day: Yes
Estimated stay time: 30-60 minutes
Wheelchair accessible: Available
Infant friendly: Available
Pet friendly: Yes (In the room, please hold me.)

Information Sources: NAVITIME JAPAN

Articles about this spot

Tanzan Shrine: Elegance Between the Mountains

Nara | Shrines

Review

A rare pagoda

Reviewed : 2019.06.20

I cannot understand why the Tanzan Jinja and pagodaare not covered by the Nara coach tours. We first saw the 13 storey pagoda mentioned in a JR magazine, butthe Nara tourist office had no...
Amazing Autumn Experience

Reviewed : 2017.12.07

We were lucky that our friend picked us up and drove us here, deep into the mountains of Sakurai city. Even though he lives in this area he had never visited before so it was a first time experience...
Interesting temple with pagoda

Reviewed : 2017.10.18

Sadly we were too early for the autumn leaves but also pleased to have missed the crowds this brings. A pleasant visit with some English information.