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Kagamitsukuri Maki Shrine

鏡作麻気神社

Kagamitsukuri Maki Jinja

Nara

A shrine dedicated to Ishikoridome-no-mikoto, the kami of mirror-making and metalworking crafts. Located in the historic Kagamitsukuri region of Nara, this shrine has deep connections to ancient mirror craftsmen who served the imperial court. The shrine preserves traditions related to metalworking and is revered by artisans and craftspeople.

Denomination
Kagamitsukuri
Religion
shinto
Enshrined kami
Ishikoridome-no-mikoto
Kami enshrined
Ishikoridome-no-mikoto
Founding
Ancient period
Coordinates
34.5622171, 135.7970075

Visitor tip

The shrine is relatively small and peaceful, offering a quiet place for reflection on traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Cultural notes

Ishikoridome-no-mikoto is mentioned in Japanese mythology as the deity who crafted the sacred mirror used to lure Amaterasu from the Ame-no-Iwato cave. This makes the shrine particularly significant for understanding the spiritual aspects of traditional Japanese metalworking and the divine origins of mirror-making.

Historical note

The shrine is situated in an area historically known for mirror production, where skilled craftsmen created bronze mirrors for religious and imperial use during ancient times. The Kagamitsukuri clan were hereditary mirror makers who served the Yamato court, and this shrine served as their spiritual center for invoking divine protection over their craft.

More shrines in Nara