Himuro Shrine - Nara

This place offers a type of luck forecast paper which differs from many other shrines. To read the words written on the paper one must place it on ice, hence making it very special. Besides that, it has an old water pump contraption which you can try.

Very famous temple and pretty landscapes!!

A shrine before entering to Todaiji. The garden is well maintained..

Unusual shrine - if you make an offering you can hear traditional ceremonial music or receive an ice fortune.

Nice shrine. Must visit location in Nara. The access through the stairs might be a bit steep for some. A temple visit also demands and entry fee in the range of 200-400pp

Small shrine with peaceful atmosphere that well known for its Kakigori God. Normally many locals who open kakigori shop like to visit here for praying to the diety for their business and so on. Also, there is an interesting annual event which many kakigori stalls throughout the city come and sell here and surely many visitors come here for that. Apart from being an ordinary shrine, here is one of the historical shrine that was built since Nara era. Don't miss to get an experience of "Shaved Ice offering " and "Ice Fortune" To offer the diety the kakigori, simply contact the staff there for a bowl of shaved ice with the donation of 300 yen or more. Then take the ice bowl to the stand in front of the diety. Let's pray as you wished. After finish praying take the ice bowl to another table where the plain syrup provided, and finish the sweets and refreshing kakigori as you like. Wash and return the bowl at another table. For Ice Fortune, donate about 200 yen or more for casting the fortune stick, then pick up the oracle paper with the same number that showed on the fortune stick, take that plain paper to the ice brick and swipe it to read the oracle. Such an interesting gimmick. However the oracle paper is provided only in Japanese language. Another interesting place and thing to do if you have spare time, want to pray or study the Japanese religious culture with different style and offering object. The shrine locate on the main road nearby the entrance to Todai-ji temple, in Nara Park area. Parking space with fees available next to the shrine.

Lovely little shrine. It's worth visiting and it's easy to find too. As you're going through Nara Park, on your way to Tōdai-ji, you won't miss it. They have big chunks of ice for the unravelling of prayers. Pretty cool if you'd ask me. I haven't seen this in any other shrine or temple yet. Would recommend!

The Shrine is said to be related to God of Ice, interesting. As the shrine is located near the entrance of Nara park, a great way to start or end your trip. I'm also curious how often they change the huge ice block..