Kagamitsukuri Shrine

In Tawaramoto Town, Nara Prefecture, sits Kagamitsukuri Shrine. Formally called Kagamitsukuri-niimasu-Amateru-mitama Shrine, it is a storied old shrine listed in the Heian-period Engishiki. Enshrining the three deities Amaterukuniteruhiko-hoakari no Mikoto, Ishikoridome no Mikoto, and Amenonukado no Mikoto, it has gathered faith since ancient times as the deity of mirror-making. Because the mirror is a symbol of beauty and of reflecting truth, it is known for blessings of improved skill, beauty, and polishing the heart, and it is a little-known hidden power spot of central Nara visited by hairdressers and people in the mirror trade.

Highlights

• Prayer to the Mirror Deity: Enshrining the deity of mirror-making, it is cherished by those praying for improved skill and beauty.
• Sacred Treasure Mirror: A mirror handed down as a treasure tells of the shrines long history and faith.
• Quiet Grounds: In calm grounds not developed for tourism, you can join your hands at leisure.
• Charm of the Yamato Countryside: The shrine standing in peaceful farmland blends into the gentle scenery of the Nara Basin.

Enjoying the Seasons

As it sits in peaceful farmland, you can worship quietly through the seasons. Spring brings open fields nearby, early summer beautiful green, and autumn the scenery of the harvest season. The annual festival is held in October, and the New Year bustles with local first-visit worshippers, but the atmosphere is usually calm. With few tourists, it is perfect for those who wish to avoid crowds and pray quietly, a hidden gem.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 816 Yao, Tawaramoto Town, Shiki-gun, Nara
• Access: About 15 minutes on foot to the northeast from Tawaramoto Station (Kintetsu Kashihara Line)
• Hours: Grounds open freely
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• How to Get There by Public Transport: The nearest stations are Tawaramoto Station on the Kintetsu Kashihara Line, or Nishi-Tawaramoto Station on the Kintetsu Tawaramoto Line. About 15 minutes on foot to the northeast, it is easy to stop by near the station.
• Annual Festival in October: The annual festival is held in October. As a shrine rooted in the community, you can see a liveliness different from usual on festival days.
• Touring the Old Shrines of Tawaramoto: Tawaramoto Town sits at the center of the Nara Basin, with Engishiki-listed shrines scattered nearby. Touring the flat Yamato countryside by rental bicycle lets you efficiently visit several old shrines.
• Best Season and Time: As it is a shrine surrounded by farmland, the calm daytime hours of autumn when the rice ripens or early summer with fresh green are recommended.

A Quick Tip

It is an especially recommended shrine for those praying for improved skill and beauty. Mirror-themed amulets make gifts for people in beauty or the arts. Within walking distance of Tawaramoto Station, with old shrines scattered nearby, enjoying a tour of the old shrines of the Yamato countryside by rental bicycle is also recommended. With fewer tourists, you can spend quiet, leisurely time.

📚 Sources

This article is based on public information from Kagamitsukuri Shrine, guidance from Tawaramoto Town and the Tawaramoto Tourism Association, and on-site information boards. Festival dates and amulet-office service may change, so please confirm with the shrine or the Tawaramoto Tourism Association before setting out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes to an hour to worship in the quiet grounds.
• Getting there: About 15 minutes on foot to the northeast from Tawaramoto Station.
• How to tour: Tour the flat Yamato countryside and its old shrines by rental bicycle.
• When to go: The annual festival is held in October, otherwise it is usually calm.
• Before you go: Confirm festival dates and access in advance, as they may change.