Isagawa Shrine
Quick Facts
- Location
- Japan, Nara
- Category
- Church & Religious Site
- Duration
- 20-30 min
- Opening Hours
- Daily 09:00-17:00 · The grounds are open for worship at any time; the shrine office takes prayer requests 10:00-15:00 by prior arrangement
- Ticket Price
- Free Admission: Free to visit · Festival offerings, omamori and goshuin cost extra
- Address
- 18 Honkomori-cho, Nara, Nara 630-8214, Japan
- Coordinates
- 34.6840, 135.8330
Introduction
Isagawa Shrine is said to have been founded in 593, making it one of Nara's oldest shrines. It enshrines Empress Himetataraisuzu-hime, consort of Emperor Jimmu, together with her parents, and has long drawn local worshippers praying for safe childbirth, child-rearing and family harmony. Its fame rests on the Saikusa Festival, also called the Lily Festival, held on 17 June. Because the goddess was said to live where sasayuri lilies bloomed at the foot of Mount Miwa, barrels of sake are decked with the flowers; four miko offer the 'Umamiwa no Mai' dance holding three stems each, and in the afternoon the Seven Maidens, the Lily Princess and child attendants process through the streets. Originating as a rite to quell epidemics, it is counted among Japan's oldest surviving ceremonies. The shrine itself is small and quiet, seven minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station.
✨ Highlights
🛈 Practical Info
Opening Hours
| Monday | 09:00-17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 09:00-17:00 |
| Wednesday | 09:00-17:00 |
| Thursday | 09:00-17:00 |
| Friday | 09:00-17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:00-17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00-17:00 |
The grounds are open for worship at any time; the shrine office takes prayer requests 10:00-15:00 by prior arrangement
Ticket Information
| Free Admission | Free to visit |
|---|
Festival offerings, omamori and goshuin cost extra
Transportation
7-min walk from JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station
Nara Kotsu bus to Honkomori-cho stops outside
No shrine car park; use paid lots nearby
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Isagawa Shrine?
Monday: 09:00-17:00; Tuesday: 09:00-17:00; Wednesday: 09:00-17:00; Thursday: 09:00-17:00; Friday: 09:00-17:00; Saturday: 09:00-17:00; Sunday: 09:00-17:00; The grounds are open for worship at any time; the shrine office takes prayer requests 10:00-15:00 by prior arrangement
How much is the admission for Isagawa Shrine?
Free Admission: Free to visit; Festival offerings, omamori and goshuin cost extra
How long should I spend at Isagawa Shrine?
A typical visit takes 20-30 min.
How do I get to Isagawa Shrine?
Subway: 7-min walk from JR Nara or Kintetsu Nara Station; Bus: Nara Kotsu bus to Honkomori-cho stops outside; Driving/Parking: No shrine car park; use paid lots nearby
