Kadofusa Jinja Shrine and Its Leaf-Bearing Ginkgo
Visit a village shrine recorded in the Engishiki, see its unusual ginkgo, and learn about Soni's autumn lion dance.
Verified site photographs are being prepared.Discover Kadofusa Jinja Shrine and Its Leaf-Bearing Ginkgo
Kadofusa Jinja stands in Imai, near the centre of Soni Village. One way to read the place is through three connected layers: a shrine listed among the deities of Uda District in the tenth-century Engishiki; a distinctive ginkgo beside its torii; and an autumn festival where village groups offer Soni's lion dance. The often-repeated claim that the shrine was founded in Emperor Yūryaku's era is a tradition in the local visitor accounts, not a date established by the surviving Engishiki listing.
Look for the ginkgo before climbing
Nara Prefecture identifies the tree beside the torii as an O-hatsuki ginkgo, a designated natural monument. Its unusual feature is that some seeds form on the fan-shaped leaves. The prefectural visitor page describes a tree about 25 metres tall; the prefectural tourism network notes that the ginkgo is usually highlighted in late November. Leaf colour and the appearance of seeds vary, so neither peak colour nor visible fruit is guaranteed on a particular date. Keep to the approach and avoid touching or collecting leaves, fruit or branches.
Separate historical record from origin tradition
The shrine's entry in the Engishiki places it in the tenth-century record of Uda District's shrines. Local tourism descriptions also say its origins reach back to Emperor Yūryaku, a traditional attribution rather than a securely dated foundation. That distinction lets visitors appreciate the documented medieval record without treating a legend or shrine tradition as archaeological proof. The quiet precinct and cedar growth above the steps are part of the visit; no interior access or guided interpretation is advertised in the sources reviewed.
Understand the autumn lion dance as a community rite
The shrine's annual autumn festival brings together Soni's local districts for offerings of shishimai. The village tourism association describes a sequence including ritual dance, purification, kagura, lion dance, the acrobatic tsugi-jishi and a more vigorous final dance. Nara Prefecture lists Soni's lion dance as a prefecture-designated intangible folk cultural property, designated in 1979. The event is usually held on the Sunday before Sports Day in October, but the exact date, order, public access and crowd arrangements should be checked in that year's village notice. This is a community religious event, not a scheduled daily performance.
A short stop with a real transport option
The prefectural Nara tourism network says to take a bus from Kintetsu Haibara Station to Soni Village Office stop, then walk from there. Its shrine access page calls the stop nearby, but bus schedules and route operators may change, so check the timetable and last return before setting out. The same page lists free parking without a verified current space count. Do not assume parking is available during the autumn festival. The pin is a directory point, not a measured gate or step-free entrance.
Make the visit respectful and self-contained
The shrine is listed as free to visit, with no regular closing day in the prefectural directory. No daily staffed reception, toilet, English interpretation, step-free route or photography policy was verified. Follow on-site signs, avoid interrupting worship or festival preparation, and ask before photographing participants. Because this is a small community precinct, plan the visit as a quiet stop rather than expecting a visitor centre, shop or public performance.
What to look for
A shrine listed in the tenth-century Engishiki record
Prefecture-designated O-hatsuki ginkgo beside the torii
October offering of the locally designated Soni lion dance
Photo notes
Directory and prefectural pages contain shrine and ginkgo photographs, but MyNara has no reuse licence. No photo of the actual shrine is cleared for this guide; ask before photographing worshippers or festival performers.
Make a day of it
Explore guides close to this map point, then check the actual route before travelling. Distances below are straight lines, not walking distances or travel times; map points may not be entrances.
Sources & editorial status
Original MyNara draft based on the linked sources. Sources reviewed 19 October 2026. Opening arrangements, prices and offers may change; use the operator's current information before travelling.
- Nara tourism network — shrine history, ginkgo, seasonal note and visit details
- Nara tourism network — address, bus stop and free parking
- Nara Prefecture — cultural and natural heritage description
- Nara Prefecture — current designation register for Soni lion dance and O-hatsuki ginkgo
- Soni Village Tourism Association — festival tradition and annual timing
- Official Nara Travel Guide — A01021 shrine entry
- Official Nara Travel Guide — Soni Highland area context