Oharano Jinja Shrine

Oharano Shrine is considered the first Kasuga shrine established by welcoming the deity from the original Kasuga Taisha in Nara, built by the Fujiwara family in 784 when Japan's capital moved to nearby Nagaokakyo. Instead of the usual komainu guardian dogs, stone deer guard the main sanctuary here, reflecting the legend that the deity Kasuga Daimyojin appeared to a Fujiwara ancestor riding a white deer. The weeping cherry tree called Senganzakura, whose peak bloom lasts only three days, has a second nickname: the fleeting-dream cherry tree. A ritual sumo competition called Kamizumo has been held here every September uninterrupted since 1717.