Kodai Jinja is a Shinto shrine in Nara Prefecture dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and chief deity of the Shinto pantheon. The shrine's name, meaning 'Imperial Great Shrine,' reflects its connection to the imperial family and the worship of Japan's most important kami.
- Denomination
- Imperial
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Coordinates
- 34.6793378, 135.7931705
Visitor tip
Look for the characteristic features of shrines dedicated to Amaterasu, including clean architectural lines and an atmosphere of reverence befitting Japan's most important deity.
Cultural notes
The worship of Amaterasu Omikami connects this shrine to the foundational myths of Japan and the divine ancestry of the imperial line. Kodai Jinja serves as a local center for honoring the sun goddess who is considered the ancestral deity of the Japanese people.
Historical note
Kodai Jinja represents the historical tradition of Ise Shrine worship outside of Mie Prefecture. Many shrines bearing similar names were established to allow local communities to worship Amaterasu Omikami without traveling to the distant Grand Shrine of Ise. The shrine likely has ancient origins, reflecting Nara's significance as Japan's first permanent capital.