Himuro Shrine — Attraction in Nara

Small shrine with peaceful atmosphere that well known for its Kakigori God. Normally many locals who open kakigori shop like to visit here for praying to the diety for their business and so on. Also, there is an interesting annual event which many kakigori stalls throughout the city come and sell here and surely many visitors come here for that.

Apart from being an ordinary shrine, here is one of the historical shrine that was built since Nara era.

Don't miss to get an experience of "Shaved Ice offering " and "Ice Fortune"

To offer the diety the kakigori, simply contact the staff there for a bowl of shaved ice with the donation of 300 yen or more. Then take the ice bowl to the stand in front of the diety. Let's pray as you wished. After finish praying take the ice bowl to another table where the plain syrup provided, and finish the sweets and refreshing kakigori as you like. Wash and return the bowl at another table.

For Ice Fortune, donate about 200 yen or more for casting the fortune stick, then pick up the oracle paper with the same number that showed on the fortune stick, take that plain paper to the ice brick and swipe it to read the oracle. Such an interesting gimmick. However the oracle paper is provided only in Japanese language.

Another interesting place and thing to do if you have spare time, want to pray or study the Japanese religious culture with different style and offering object.

The shrine locate on the main road nearby the entrance to Todai-ji temple, in Nara Park area.

Parking space with fees available next...

Himuro Shrine (氷室神社), located near Nara Park in Nara City, is a charming Shinto shrine with a unique historical significance tied to ice preservation. The shrine, whose name translates to “Ice Room Shrine,” is dedicated to the deity of ice, honoring the role of ice in ancient rituals and daily life.

Established during the Heian period (794–1185), Himuro Shrine was built to venerate the gods responsible for the natural formation and preservation of ice. In a time before refrigeration, ice was a rare and valuable commodity, used in imperial ceremonies and for preserving food. Himuro Shrine’s spiritual significance grew as it became associated with the protection of ice and cold weather.

The shrine is modest in size but rich in cultural charm. Its serene atmosphere is enhanced by traditional wooden architecture and seasonal beauty, including cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves later in the year. A notable feature is the annual Himuro Shrine Ice Festival (Himuro Taisai), held every May. During this event, large blocks of ice are offered to the deities, symbolizing gratitude and the importance of ice in daily life.

Visitors often stop at the shrine to seek blessings for health, prosperity, and relief from summer heat. Himuro Shrine also offers a quieter alternative to Nara’s larger and more crowded attractions, making it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a deeper connection to Japan’s...

🧊 Himuro Shrine (氷室神社) is a beautiful, peaceful sanctuary that offers a welcome moment of quiet reflection amidst the hustle of Nara Park. It holds a special charm and a deep sense of serenity and spirituality (khlang).

The shrine is conveniently located right next to Nara Park and is along the path leading to the much larger and famous Tōdai-ji Temple. It’s an easy and worthwhile stop on your walking tour.

Atmosphere: Compared to the main attractions, Himuro Shrine is quiet and tranquil. It is dedicated to the God of Ice, which gives it a unique history, particularly with regard to ice making and refrigeration.

The Unique Experience: Ice Fortune Teller! The most memorable part of a visit here is their special fortune telling ritual: The Ritual: For JPY 200, you can try their unique omikuji (fortune slip) where you place the paper slip onto a block of ice to reveal your fortune. A Novel Experience: This is a truly new and unusual experience that you likely won't find at many other Japanese shrines. It’s a fun, inexpensive, and interactive way to get a glimpse into...