Tanzan Jinja Shrine

“Taika Reform” occurred in 645 AD to create the emperor-centered government from the local-powerful-family centered. When Fujiwara no Kamatari, a leader working for the Reform, and Prince Nakano-Oe visited and found this place on Mt. Tonomine and they decided to choose here as a place for meeting. After the death of Fujiwara no Kamatari, his bones were brought from Settsu（current Takatsuki City, Osaka) and buried in the shrine. His eldest son, Jou-e, built a 13-story wooden pagoda to mourn his deceased father, which is the beginning of the history of the shrine. The name of the shrine, “Tanzan”, means “meeting on a mountain” in Chinese character.

This is the only 13-story wooden pagoda preserved in the world designated as an important cultural property. Another important Cultural Properties of 17 buildings are located on the premises including the Main Hall,　Worship Hall, and East Treasure House. The Main Hall is said to be a model of Nikko Toshogu Shrine which is designated as a World Heritage Site in Tochigi prefecture.

This shrine is well known for the deity of match-making, in which some blessing spots are located such as called “Koi no Michi” (the Road to success of match-making), “the Love Shrine”, and “the Musubi-no-Iwakura". One of these auxiliary shrines, Higashi-dono enshrines the wife of Fujiwara no Kamatari, Kagami no Okimi, and there is a legend that she lived happily with her husband so this shrine became to be called “the Love Shrine”. It is believed that by touching this stone, your wish will come true.

Seasonal beautiful scenery is worth viewing, especially coloured mountains with vermilion by foliage that will give you a strong impact. Of course, the other scenery is as great as cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and a snow scene in winter. In legend,　Fujiwara no Kamatari and Prince Naka no Oe met first through playing Japanese ancient football, “Kemari”, so the festival of “Kemari” takes place on November 3rd every year.　“Kemari” trial classes are held throughout the year (for a fee), so don’t miss it.