Jinmu Tennō-sha Shrine

Standing in Kashihara, Gose

This shrine stands in Kashihara, Gose City, and its deity is Emperor Jinmu, Japan's legendary first emperor. Only a limited number of shrines in Japan have Emperor Jinmu as their principal deity.

A tradition has long held that this is the site of the Kashihara Palace where Emperor Jinmu was enthroned. The place name, too, is read "Kashihara."

A land rich in Jinmu legends

Gose is also a place where Emperor Jinmu appears in the Nihon Shoki (Japan's oldest official chronicle, compiled in 720).

The entry for the 31st year of his reign says that the emperor climbed Hohoma Hill in Wakigami and looked out over the land. He remarked that it was shaped "like dragonflies (akitsu) mating," and according to the Nihon Shoki this gave rise to the country's name, Akitsushima.

Wakigami is a place name in Gose, and one view identifies Hohoma Hill with Honma-ga-oka in the city.

The other Kashihara

In 1890, Kashihara Jingū Shrine was founded at the southeastern foot of Mt Unebi. This was because the Nihon Shoki describes Emperor Jinmu's palace as being "southeast of Mt Unebi, at Kashihara."

The same tradition existed here in Kashihara, Gose. Local stories survive about why this place was not chosen.

Visiting

It is a small shrine in the middle of the village, with stone lanterns lined up in front of the building.

It is located in Gose City, not Asuka Village. It is about 20 minutes by car from Asuka Village.