One of the ancient water distribution shrines located in the mountainous regions of Nara Prefecture. This upper shrine is part of the Hiranogawa Mikumari shrine complex, traditionally responsible for water management and distribution for agricultural communities in the area.
- Denomination
- Mikumari
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Mikumari-no-kami (water distribution deity)
- Kami enshrined
- Mikumari-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 34.447671, 136.0644293
Visitor tip
The shrine is located in a mountainous area, so wear appropriate footwear for hiking trails.
Cultural notes
Mikumari shrines represent an important aspect of Shinto's connection to natural resource management, particularly the sacred duty of water distribution that was essential for Japan's rice-based agricultural society.
Historical note
The shrine is part of an ancient system of Mikumari shrines established throughout Japan to manage water resources for rice cultivation. These shrines were particularly important in mountainous regions where water distribution from rivers and streams needed careful coordination among farming communities.