Tamukeyama Hachiman-gu
手向山八幡宮
A shrine guarding Todai-ji, famous for autumn leaves thanks to Sugawara no Michizane's poem 'No offerings this time, the autumn leaves of Tamukeyama.'
Tamukeyama Hachiman-gu was built in 749, when the Hachiman deity was invited from Usa in Kyushu to protect the Great Buddha of Todai-ji, and it has close ties with Todai-ji. The poem Sugawara no Michizane composed here is included in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu. In autumn, the vermilion shrine buildings against the maple leaves make it a signature autumn leaf spot in Nara. Free to visit. It sits south of Nigatsu-do and Hokke-do, and you can walk it together with Todai-ji and Wakakusayama. Deer roam the shrine grounds, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Opening hours
Open all day (shrine office approx. 09:00–16:30)
Nearby sights
- Todai-ji Nigatsu-do & Hokke-do
- Nara Park
- Todai-ji
- Isui-en Garden
- Shosoin Repository
- Kasuga Taisha
- Himuro Shrine
- Yoshikien Garden