Emperor Jinmu Festival

The Jinmu Tenno-sai is a rite performed every year on April 3 at Kashihara Jingu Shrine in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. It is held in connection with April 3, traditionally regarded as the day on which Emperor Jinmu, the enshrined deity of Kashihara Jingu, passed away, and from ancient times it has been affectionately called Jinmu-san by local people. Drawing many worshippers not only from the locality but also from nearby districts and other prefectures, it is known as a grand festival that colors spring in Kashihara.

Emperor Jinmu is a figure recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki, Japan's ancient chronicles, as the first emperor, and because he is said to have acceded to the throne in the land of Kashihara, Kashihara Jingu was founded at the place traditionally held to be the site of his palace. The Jinmu Tenno-sai is regarded as one of the important grand festivals of Kashihara Jingu, alongside the Kigen-sai of February 11, and through solemn rites such as the recitation of prayers and the offering of sacred sakaki branches, prayers are made for the flourishing of the nation, the peace of the people, safety in the household, and health and long life.

History and Origins

Emperor Jinmu is a legendary figure recorded in the ancient chronicles as the first emperor of Japan. The Nihon Shoki relates that, after setting out from Hyuga (Miyazaki) and advancing eastward in what is known as the Jinmu Eastern Expedition, he pacified Yamato and acceded to the throne in the land of Kashihara in the first month of the kanoto-tori year. At the southeastern foot of Mount Unebi, held to be the place of his enthronement, Kashihara Jingu was founded in 1890 (Meiji 23) as an imperial shrine enshrining Emperor Jinmu and his empress.

The Jinmu Tenno-sai is a rite conducted in connection with April 3, the day on which Emperor Jinmu is said to have passed away. As a day for revering the great achievements of Emperor Jinmu, giving thanks for his virtue, and recalling the legacy of the first emperor, this rite has been solemnly performed at Kashihara Jingu every year on this date. For Kashihara Jingu it is, like the Kigen-sai of February 11 that celebrates the founding of the nation, one of the most important festivals directly connected with the enshrined deity.

The date of April 3 has a history of being regarded as an important day on which the emperor himself performed rites within the imperial court as well. The Jinmu Tenno-sai of Kashihara Jingu is likewise positioned as a rite offering prayers on the day of the deity's passing, as part of the tradition of venerating Emperor Jinmu. Local people call it Jinmu-san with affection, and it has been handed down across the generations together with deep reverence.

The grand Jinmu festival is composed of several rites not only on April 3 itself but also over the surrounding days. On the previous day, April 2, the Gochinza Kinen-sai commemorating the enshrinement of Kashihara Jingu is performed, and on the morning of April 3 the central rite of the Jinmu Tenno-sai is conducted. Through this series of rites, the course of Kashihara Jingu since its founding and the faith in the enshrined deity, Emperor Jinmu, are reaffirmed.

Highlights

The solemnly conducted rite of the Jinmu Tenno-sai　At ten in the morning on April 3, the Jinmu Tenno-sai is performed at Kashihara Jingu. Through solemn rites conducted according to tradition, such as the recitation of prayers and the offering of sacred sakaki branches, prayers are made for the flourishing of the nation, the peace of the people, and the household safety and long life of the worshippers. The rite, performed amid the serene air that fills the sacred precincts, is the very heart of the grand festival.

The dedication of the ancient Kuzuso　At one in the afternoon on April 3, the Kuzuso is dedicated. The Kuzuso is an ancient song and dance handed down among the Kuzu people of Yoshino, a performing art of extremely old lineage in which ancient songs are sung and danced to the accompaniment of flute and drum. This dedication, in which timeless melodies resound before the deity, is a highlight distinctive to the Jinmu Tenno-sai.

A grand festival ranking with the Kigen-sai　The Jinmu Tenno-sai is an important grand festival of Kashihara Jingu, ranking with the Kigen-sai of February 11 that celebrates the founding of the nation. It is given special standing as a festival directly connected with the enshrined deity Emperor Jinmu, and the fact that it is conducted with exceptional weight among the year's rites well expresses the character of this festival.

Many worshippers gathering for Jinmu-san　On the day of the Jinmu Tenno-sai, many worshippers visit Kashihara Jingu not only from the locality but also from nearby districts and other prefectures. This festival, long called Jinmu-san with familiarity, carries reverence and affection for the first emperor, and the sight of worshippers gathering in the broad sacred garden has become a seasonal scene of spring in Kashihara.

The Gochinza Kinen-sai of the previous day　The grand Jinmu festival is composed of the Jinmu Tenno-sai of April 3 at its center, together with the Gochinza Kinen-sai performed on the morning of the previous day, April 2. The flow from this rite commemorating the founding of the shrine in 1890 on to the central rite of the following day conveys the historical depth and layered structure of the festivals of Kashihara Jingu.

The spring sacred garden wrapped in cherry blossoms　Early April, when the Jinmu Tenno-sai is held, is also the season when the vast sacred garden of Kashihara Jingu is colored by cherry blossoms. The majestic shrine buildings set against Mount Unebi harmonize with the scenery of the deep forest wrapped in spring flowers, welcoming those who come for the festival. One can savor at once the solemnity of a place of prayer and the brilliance of spring.

Event Information

• Location: Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture
• Venue: Kashihara Jingu Shrine (934 Kumecho, Kashihara City)
• Dates: April 3 every year (the grand Jinmu festival includes the Gochinza Kinen-sai on April 2)
• Main events: Jinmu Tenno-sai (10 a.m. on April 3), dedication of the Kuzuso (1 p.m. the same day), Gochinza Kinen-sai (10 a.m. on April 2)
• Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Kashiharajingu-mae Station on the Kintetsu line
• Admission: General worship is free (formal attendance at the rite is by prior offering and invitation). Note that dates and details may change.

Around the Area

Mount Unebi, rising behind Kashihara Jingu, is one of the three mountains of Yamato, standing about 199 meters high. It is a place said to be where the palace of Emperor Jinmu stood, and at its foot are scattered ancient tombs designated as the mausoleums of successive emperors. Together with a visit to Kashihara Jingu, one can tour the surroundings while reflecting on the myths of the ancient chronicles and the history of ancient Yamato.

The vast sacred garden of Kashihara Jingu is a place of repose where rich nature can be enjoyed throughout the four seasons. The grounds, including Fukada Pond, abound in wild birds and plants and change their appearance with each season, from the cherry blossoms of spring to the fresh green of early summer. This space, where majestic shrine buildings and nature form a single whole, is beloved by many worshippers and strollers even outside festival days.

The Kashihara area is also a region where the stages of Japan's ancient history gather, such as the site of the Fujiwara-kyo capital and the Asuka district. Kashiharajingu-mae Station is a hub for transport toward Asuka and Yoshino, and it is convenient as a base for historical walks touring the remains of ancient capitals, tombs, and temples and shrines. A visit to the Jinmu Tenno-sai may well serve as the starting point for a journey exploring the ancient history of Nara.

Related Information

• Month: April (spring)
• Location: Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture (Kinki region)
• Origin: A rite in connection with April 3, traditionally the day of the passing of the enshrined deity Emperor Jinmu
• Standing: An important grand festival of Kashihara Jingu, ranking with the Kigen-sai of February 11
• Main dedication: The Kuzuso (an ancient song and dance handed down among the Kuzu people of Yoshino)
• Common name: Affectionately called Jinmu-san by local people

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