Nara City Tourism Association

Situated in the heart of Naramachi, Goryojinja Shrine is deeply revered with the title "Goryo-san of Naramachi." Shuki Reitaisai, the annual autumn festival, is a traditional event in Naramachi that is close to the hearts of the local community, and is said to have originated from the Goryo-e ritual conducted at Shinsen-en Garden during the Heian period (794–1185). It was originally a ritual to appease spirits and ward off disasters, but has evolved over time into the festival of the present day, which prays for peace in the region.

The Mikoshi Togyo-shiki (portable shrine procession) of the Motomiya Festival is held on October 13 every year. The deity is transferred from the gohonden (main hall) to the mikoshi (portable shrine), and parades through the shrine's area together with people decked in gorgeous costumes of the Heian period, as well as others dressed up as lions and in the role of Sarutahiko. The procession takes the inner and outer loop in turns every other year, taking two years for the deity to visit the entire area covered by the shrine.

*Events and their times are subject to change depending on the situation. For details, please visit the official website of Goryojinja Shrine.

*Updated on October 31, 2024