Nara City Tourism Association

Sudoutennousha Shrine is located in Kidera, at the southern end of Naramachi. The premises are well cared for, very comfortable, and exude a quiet, dignified atmosphere. The deity enshrined is Prince Sawara (Emperor Sudo), the younger brother of Emperor Kanmu. This historic shrine was founded in 806 by Emperor Heizei to appease the vengeful spirit of Prince Sawara, who was implicated in the assassination of Fujiwara no Tanetsugu but continued to appeal for his innocence, and came to an untimely end on his way to being exiled to Awaji Island. Along with Goryo Shrine in Yakushido-cho, Sudoutennousha Shrine is known as one of the two great Goryo Shrines of Nara. Since ancient times, it has also been known and loved by locals as the guardian deity that protects Kidera.

The vermilion-colored gohonden (main hall), a Kasuga-style building with a one-bay sanctuary covered with a cypress bark roof, is situated at the back of the grounds, relocated from the former Wakamiya Shrine of Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Built in 1623, it is the oldest and most valuable of the buildings transferred from Kasuga Taisha Shrine and dotted across Japan, and has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

The goshuin (seals of the shrine) are also well-known, with so many different types that are all so beautiful it is difficult to choose one. These range from regular goshuin, to paper cutout goshuin and goshuin that change every month. There are even collectors who visit every month to collect the goshuin. There is also a collaborative goshuin issued jointly with Goryo Shrine, one of the two great shrines of Nara.

How about stopping by while taking a stroll around Naramachi?