Last Updated: May 30, 2024

Nara’s Omiwa Shrine

The Oldest Shinto Sanctuary in Japan

This story was originally published on donnykimball.com and has been syndicated here on Medium.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to Omiwa Shrine, a spiritual sanctuary that has long been on my bucket list. Found in the southern portions of Nara Prefecture, this ancient sepulcher is regularly considered to be Japan’s oldest shrine. The site sits at the base of the consecrated Mt. Miwa and has played an incredibly important role in the development of Japanese Shinto. Though located a bit out of the way, making a pilgrimage to Nara’s Omiwa Shrine is something that I couldn’t more highly recommend for those who are looking to add something unique to their itineraries.

While the exact age of Omiwa Shrine is unknown, we do know that it predates written history in Japan. This means that the complex’s layout dates back to before the arrival of Buddhism in Japan. Like many other similar locales that predate the religion, Omiwa Shrine is completely free of the typical syncretic influences that are apparent at many other shrines. Most notably, Omiwa Shrine lacks the honden (main hall) that you’d find elsewhere. In place of this, Japan’s oldest sanctum instead borrows the entirety of Mt. Miwa which stands behind the shrine grounds.

Despite the fact that Omiwa Shrine actually has a haiden (prayer hall), the proper way to pay one’s obeisance to Omononushi, the eminent deity enshrined on Mt. Miwa, is to make an ascent to the summit. More so than a leisurely hike, this climb is thought to be something of a pilgrimage and it comes with a strict set of rules. For starters, know that no eating, drinking, smoking, or photography is allowed once on the mountain. Additionally, those looking to challenge Mt. Miwa must apply at the shrine first in order to get permission as entry to the primeval grounds is otherwise forbidden.

Not looking to join the other pilgrims on their way up the steep slopes of Mt. Miwa? Fret not! There is actually a spot behind the haiden where you can pay your respects to Omononushi. Here, the mountain is worshiped through a triple torii gate that boasts a style that is both ancient and extremely rare in Japan. Unfortunately, to reach this hallowed spot, you’ll need to inquire at Omiwa Shrine and be guided by one of the Shinto priests. Note that whether you opt to climb Mt…