Birthplace of Japan’s First Political Reform

Hidden in the wooded mountains of Sakurai City in Nara Prefecture, Tanzan-jinja Shrine is one of Japan’s most historically significant and visually stunning Shinto shrines. This sacred site is famously associated with the Taika Reform of 645 AD, a landmark political event that centralized imperial authority and laid the foundation for Japan’s ancient state system. The reform was discussed between Prince Naka-no-Ōe (later Emperor Tenji) and court noble Nakatomi no Kamatari—who would become the founder of the powerful Fujiwara clan—right on this mountain, giving the shrine its name, meaning “Discussion Mountain.”

Tanzan-jinja is also known for its thirteen-story wooden pagoda, the only one of its kind in Japan. Originally built in the 7th century and reconstructed in later periods, the pagoda is a striking symbol of the syncretism between Buddhism and Shintoism in early Japanese architecture.

Visit in autumn, and you'll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular displays of fall foliage in the region. Whether you're a history buff or a nature lover, Tanzan-jinja offers a perfect fusion of political legacy, sacred tradition, and seasonal beauty.