Cherry blossoms at Himuro Shrine

This shrine enshrines an unusual guardian deity: the deity of refrigerators – quite a rarity

Himuro Shrine, located near Nara Park, is dedicated to Himuro Okami (the Great God Himuro), who is believed to protect against fire-related disasters. In around the 7th century, ice made in the Himuro (icehouse) was presented to the Heijo-kyo Capital. Icehouses were large holes dug in the mountains and covered with thatch, where ice prepared in winter was stored until summer. The imperial family and other powerful communities were grateful for the ice, and in Heijo-kyo it was also sold at markets to the general public.

Even today, it is still revered by businesses related to ice, refrigeration, and freezing. An ice offering ceremony is held every year on 1 May, and shaved ice is dedicated during the Ice Chamber Snow Festival in March.

The weeping cherry tree at Himuro Shrine is called ‘Nara’s first cherry tree’ and is said to be the earliest flowering cherry tree in Nara. It is said that cherry blossoms bloom here and there, following the lead of the blooming of the Himuro Shrine cherry tree, which is considered a very auspicious one that heralds the beginning of spring in the ancient capital.

There are several weeping cherry trees in the precincts of the shrine, the oldest of which is about 100 years old and  has delighted the eyes of many people for many years.