Himuro Shrine (Nara Prefecture, Tenri City)

Located in Fukuzumi-cho, Tenri City, a place known as the origin of ice storage in Japan, the site boasts over 20 historical ice storage (Himuro) sites. Deeply connected to the Imperial family, the shrine, believed to have been established around 414 AD, is considered the head shrine of all Himuro Shrines across the country.

Historically, ice created in winter was stored in these ice houses and presented to the Imperial Court during summer. This tradition continues with the annual "Kenpyo-sai" (Ice Offering Festival) on July 1, where large ice pillars are offered, and Kagura dances are performed in the worship hall. Nearby, a reconstructed ice house demonstrates how ice was preserved in the past. Ice stored in February is removed during the "Fukuzumi Ice Festival" held on Marine Day (the third Monday of July) every year, and local children transport it to Fukuzumi Elementary School using carts.

The annual festival on the second Sunday of October is also famous. During this event, the Mikoshi (portable shrine) procession, known as "Shinko Togyo," travels to the rear of the shrine where the reconstructed ice house is located, drawing many spectators along the route.