初詣に奈良県橿原市にある橿原神宮（かしはらじんぐう）に行ってきました。主祭神は神武天皇とその皇后である媛蹈鞴五十鈴媛命（ひめたたらいすずひめのみこと）です。橿原神宮は明治２３年（１８９０年）、初代天皇である神武天皇の即位地「橿原宮」跡と伝えられる地に、明治天皇の命により創建されました。境内は約５３万平方メートルと広大で、深い森に囲まれた静かな雰囲気です。境内には「深田池」という大きな池があります。訪問した１月４日には、カワウ、ヒドリガモ、オオバンがいました。毎年２月１１日の紀元祭は、日本の建国を祝う重要な祭典で、全国の神社の中でも特に大規模に執り行われるそうです。
In Japan, there is a custom of visiting shrines at the beginning of the year.On January 4, I went for a New Year’s shrine visit (hatsumōde) to Kashihara Shrine (Kashihara Jingū) in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture. The principal deities enshrined there are Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan, and his empress, Himetataraisuzuhime-no-Mikoto.Kashihara Shrine was founded in 1890 (Meiji 23) by order of Emperor Meiji on a site traditionally believed to be the location of Kashihara Palace, where Emperor Jimmu is said to have ascended the throne.The shrine grounds are vast, covering about 530,000 square meters, and are surrounded by deep forest, creating a calm and serene atmosphere. Within the grounds is a large pond called Fukada Pond. When I visited, I saw great cormorants, Eurasian wigeons, and Eurasian coots there.Every year on February 11, the Kigensai Festival is held to celebrate the founding of Japan, and it is said to be one of the largest such ceremonies conducted at shrines throughout the country.
橿原神宮の大鳥居。例年約７０万～１００万人前後の人々が初詣に訪れる。
The large torii gate of Kashihara Shrine. Approximately 700,000 to 1 million people visit the shrine every year.
内拝殿。「紀元祭」を始め、諸祭典が執り行われる社殿。
Inner worship hall. A shrine building where various festivals are held, including the Kigen Festival.
深田池。この溜池は、飛鳥時代に築造されたと伝えられている。写真の鳥は、ヒドリガモとオオバン。
Fukada Pond. It is said that this reservoir was built during the Asuka period. The birds in the photo are a Wigeon and a Coot.
カワウ（Great Cormorant）