[Nara] Kadofusa Shrine, the tutelary shrine of Soni Village, famous for its lion dance.
Soni Village is famous for the "Soni Plateau," but the central village area, through which the Shorenji River flows, is also a wonderful place rich in history and nature. This time, we visited Kadofusa Shrine, located in the Imai district ⛩
This shrine, the tutelary shrine of the eight districts of Soni Village, is an ancient shrine said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Yuryaku, the 21st emperor. It is also listed in the Heian period's "Engishiki" Jinmyocho (list of shrines) as one of the 17 shrines in Uda District, Yamato Province ✍️
The enshrined deities are the four Kasuga gods: Amatsu-Koyane-no-Mikoto, Takemikazuchi-no-Mikoto, Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, and Hime-no-Okami, as well as Tamanooya-no-Mikoto, Ame-no-Tajikarao-no-Mikoto, and Ame-no-Uzume-no-Mikoto. Since the gods of Kasuga are enshrined here, there's a bronze deer statue 🦌💕︎
Kadofusa Shrine is also known for the "Soni Lion Dance," which was performed at the Osaka-Kansai Expo. With a history of approximately 300 years, it is now held every October on the Sunday before Sports Day 🍂
It features a rich variety of performances, including Hōmai (devotional dance), Shinzenmai (dance before the gods), Akumabarai (exorcism), Sankagura (sacred dance), Shishiodori (lion dance), Tsugijishi (joined lion dance), and Aramai (wild dance), and its high quality has led to its designation as a prefectural intangible folk cultural property ✨️
It seems to be performed by the Hōmai groups of the three major districts of Nagano, Imai, and Igami. This year's performance has already finished, but I hope to go see it sometime in the future 🥰
Also, the giant ginkgo tree standing in front of the shrine's torii gate is a rare "Ohatsuki Ginkgo," which bears fruit on its leaves, and is a prefectural natural monument. It's the season when the leaves start to change color, isn't it? ☺️
【Innorn】
📍 733 Imai, Soni Village, Uda District, Nara Prefecture
🚗 Approximately 30 minutes from Uda City (near Haibara Station)
🅿️ Parking available (small space)
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