Himuro Shrine
氷室神社
A shrine dedicated to the god of ice. Its 'Nara's First Weeping Cherry' in front blooms early every year and kicks off cherry blossom season in Nara.
Himuro Shrine was founded in 710 and enshrines the god of ice. Ice makers and refrigeration businesses from across Japan come to pay their respects, and on May 1 an ice offering ceremony is held. The weeping cherry trees in front of the shrine are several decades old and usually reach full bloom in late March, about a week ahead of other cherry trees in Nara Park. They are illuminated at night. Free to visit. Located across from the Nara National Museum, about a 10-minute walk from Kintetsu-Nara Station. In summer there are also shaved ice festival events.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00 (inside the grounds)
Nearby sights
- Yoshikien Garden
- Isui-en Garden
- Nara National Museum
- Ukimido Pavilion
- Todai-ji
- Nara Park
- Kofuku-ji
- Shosoin Repository