Isagawa Shrine

Isagawa Shrine (率川神社) is a Shinto shrine near Kasuga-taisha. It was built in 593 and is the oldest shrine in Nara. It is unique because it is dedicated to an Empress: Himetataraisuzu-hime, and her parents. It is currently a Keigai-Massha of Ōmiwa Shrine. The shrine has a festival held on June 16-18 called the Saegusa Festival. In the book The Sea of Fertility Yukio Mishima wrote a character as saying it was very beautiful. Enshrined Deity The following gods are worshipped at the shrine. The Divine Family Center Shrine: Empress Himetataraisuzu-hime Left Shrine: Sai no Okami (Kotoshironushi/Ōmononushi), her father Right Shrine: Tamakushi-hime, her mother The two parents surround their daughter. This represents their care for her. Literary references In the book The Sea of Fertility by Yukio Mishima the character Honda said "I have never seen such a beautiful ritual." about the Saegusa festival of this shrine Gallery Main shrine Awa Shrine References