Kagami-jinja Shrine in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, is dedicated to the Shinto god of mirrors, Kagami-no-Kami. This unique deity is believed to protect and bless mirrors, as well as bring good fortune and prosperity to those who worship at the shrine. The shrine's architecture reflects this focus on reflective surfaces, with many buildings featuring intricately carved wooden facades that seem to ripple like water.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Kagami-no-Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Kagami-no-Kami, Tsukiyomi-no-Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.0746903, 135.481956
Visitor tip
When visiting Kagami-jinja Shrine, be sure to bring a small gift for the kami, such as a mirror or a bottle of sake, and participate in the traditional purification ritual by rinsing your hands at the temizuya before entering the shrine's main hall.
Cultural notes
As a shrine dedicated to the god of mirrors, Kagami-jinja is often visited during New Year's (Oshogatsu) for its reflective surfaces, which are believed to ward off evil spirits. The shrine also hosts an annual Mirror Festival in July, where participants parade through the streets with large mirrors on poles.
Historical note
The shrine was established in the 8th century during the Nara period, making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.