Owuma Taisha

Ikoma Taisha (Ouma Taisha) is an ancient shrine at the foot of Mt. Ikoma, enshrining the mountain itself as a divine body. Listed in the Engishiki and ranked as a prefectural shrine, its principal deities Ikomatsuhiko and Ikomatsuhime have been venerated as gods of fire since antiquity. The shrine has traditionally supplied the sacred fire-making wood for imperial enthronement ceremonies. The Fire Festival held in October, where young men race down stone steps carrying large torches, is designated an intangible folk cultural property of Nara Prefecture. The sacred grove covering the grounds is also a designated natural monument.