Miwa, Sakurai, Nara Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥500
Hibara Shrine, also known as Moto-Ise, is a serene and historically significant Shinto shrine located in Sakurai, Nara. Revered as one of the original sites where the goddess Amaterasu was enshrined before the establishment of Ise Grand Shrine, it offers a glimpse into ancient religious practices. The shrine features a unique Mitsu-Torii (three-torii gate) and lacks a main hall, allowing visitors to directly appreciate the sacred Mount Miwa. Situated along the Yamanobe-no-Michi trail, it's a peaceful stop for hikers. The shrine is particularly beautiful around the spring and autumn equinoxes, when the setting sun aligns with Mount Nijo. Access is a 30-minute walk from JR Miwa Station, though the roads to the shrine can be narrow, so caution is advised when driving.