Ōharano Shrine｜大原野神社

Ōharano Shrine’s main hall, flanked by two guardian deer statues, is a classic example of vermilion shrine architecture set against an impressive backdrop of tall cypress trees.  Located at the end of the sandō entrance path and up a small flight of stairs, the main altars for the enshrined deities are half hidden within the fenced structure of the prayer hall.  The main hall and auxiliary shrine at Ōharano Shrine enshrines the syncretic Shinto/Buddhist deities that make up the Kasuga Daimyōjin conglomeration, including: god of thunder Takemikazuchi no Mikoto, Iwainushi no Mikoto, Ame no Koyane no Mikoto, and Himegami in the main hall, with Oshikumune no Mikoto in the auxiliary shrine.

Ōharano Shrine is particularly known for success with prayers related to governance, directional luck, and knowledge.  For the single ladies, it is also known as a guardian of women who grants them suitable partners in love.

Kasuga Daimyōjin is often depicted in art riding on a sacred deer, as he was said to have appeared before an ancestor of the Fujiwara clan in a vision.  Deer were associated with the deity and considered to be his sacred messengers, thanks also in part to the fact that Nara, where the head Kasuga shrine is located, is heavily populated with deer who have flourished because of this religious belief.  Due to this connection, the two stone guardian statues at Ōharano Shrine that flank the shrine’s main hall are a male and female deer in place of the usual lion dogs (komainu).  Deer are also depicted on the shrine’s ema (votive tablets), the omamori amulets, the omikuji fortunes, and in a cuter style as a pair of votive bells, all available at the shrine’s reception area.

Though Ōharano Shrine is also lovely when the trees are fresh and green, it is said to be most beautiful in the fall season when the maples of the surrounding forest begin turning brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow.  In particular, the small pond on the grounds and the entrance path between the shrine’s two torii gates are popular photo spots in autumn.

On the shrine grounds you can find two small shops run by locals that offer a selection of tasty treats, specializing in mugwort dumplings.  Since the shrine is located in a more rural area, why not grab a snack before you head back home?  One shop, Kasuga no Chaya, calls theirs yomogi dango.  More modern dango are usually served three to a stick, but this traditional sweet, recipe unchanged since the Edo period, is served individually, with a geometric pattern pressed into the soft rice paste coating the red bean and kinako powder sprinkled on top.  At the other shop, Kobayashi, they call theirs kusa mochi.  Both mean mugwort dumplings, in the end, but you may have fun comparing flavors!