Tenkawa Daibenzaiten

天河大弁財天社

4.6Est. 90Tenkawa, Kansai

Overview

Mountain shrine in the Yoshino range dedicated to Benzaiten, goddess of music and water, attracting artists.

Tenkawa Daibenzaiten sits deep in the Yoshino mountains of Nara Prefecture, in the village of Tenkawa at the edge of the Ominesan range. The shrine was established in the 7th or 8th century and is dedicated to Benzaiten, one of the seven gods of fortune and the patron deity of music, the arts, and water. Musicians and performers from across Japan come to leave offerings here, and the inner courtyard often has small instruments or gifts left at the altar. The surrounding valley has a river, onsen facilities, and walking trails. The 90-minute drive from Yoshino is part of the experience, winding through forested river valleys with no shortcut.

Local tips

Purify your hands at the temizuya before approaching the main hall. Left hand first, then right, then pour water into your left hand to rinse your mouth.

Practical info

Japanese name: 天河大弁財天社
Nearest station: Shimoichiguchi Station (1 hr bus)
Payment: Cash only
Reservations: not required

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