Tenrikyo Church Headquarters

In short

Tenrikyo Church Headquarters is the headquarters of Tenrikyo, located in Mishima-cho, Tenri City. In Tenrikyo, this site is revered as the "Jiba," the original spot where humankind was created, and the Main Sanctuary and Worship Halls of the headquarters are built surrounding the Jiba. The sanctuary is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and can be visited without an admission fee or prior application.

• ​Kanrodai​​: The Kanrodai is placed at the Jiba in the center of the Main Sanctuary and serves as the focus of worship.
• ​Four Worship Halls​​: The worship halls surrounding the sanctuary on four sides have a combined area of 3,157 tatami mats.
• ​Corridors​​: The corridors connecting the Main Sanctuary, Worship Halls, the Foundress's Sanctuary, and the Memorial Hall measure approximately 800 meters around.

History and Highlights

Tenrikyo is a religion founded by Nakayama Miki in 1838 (the 9th year of the Tenpo era), during the Edo period. According to the organization, there are currently about 14,000 churches, mainly in Japan, and its teachings have spread to 80 countries overseas.

In Tenrikyo, God the Parent is called Tenri-O-no-Mikoto, and the point where humankind was first conceived at creation is called the "Jiba." The "Kanrodai" is set at this point and serves as the focus of worship. The Main Sanctuary and Worship Halls of the headquarters are constructed around this Jiba. It is said that Tenrikyo churches across the country are also built facing toward the Jiba. Visiting the Jiba is known as "Ojiba-gaeri" (returning to Jiba), carrying the meaning of returning to one's home village.

This area was originally a small settlement named Shoyashiki Village in Yamato Province, which corresponds to present-day Mishima-cho, Tenri City. Over time, many people began to gather here, and the area is now referred to as "Oyasato."

The four worship halls surrounding the sanctuary from all four directions cover a total of 3,157 tatami mats. Beyond the spacious courtyard to the north of the Main Sanctuary stands the Foundress's Sanctuary. In Tenrikyo, although the Foundress withdrew from physical presence in 1887 (the 20th year of the Meiji era), her soul is believed to remain alive to this day, and the Foundress's Sanctuary serves as her residence. To the west of the Foundress's Sanctuary is the Memorial Hall, which enshrines those who dedicated themselves to spreading the teachings and helping others. Daily services are performed in the Main Sanctuary, and the Tsukinamisai monthly service is held on the 26th of each month.

Viewing and Experience Tips

• ​Worship Etiquette​​: In the worship hall, sit facing the Jiba and Kanrodai at the center of the sanctuary. Raise your head and clap four times, bow deeply with both hands on the floor to pray, and clap four times again upon finishing. Those who find it difficult to sit in the seiza style are allowed to use chairs in the worship hall or stretch out their legs.
• ​Walking the Corridors​​: After praying in the Main Sanctuary, you can proceed through the corridors to visit the Foundress's Sanctuary and the Memorial Hall. Move from the East Worship Hall along the corridor to the Foundress's Sanctuary, and after visiting the Memorial Hall, return to your starting worship hall via the western corridor. One complete circuit around the corridors is approximately 800 meters.
• ​Precinct Rules​​: Smoking is prohibited on the grounds, and visitors are asked to refrain from eating and drinking. Inside the worship halls, unauthorized photography and mobile phone use are prohibited.

Walking Tips

It is about 1.3 kilometers from Tenri Station to the Main Sanctuary, which takes approximately 17 minutes on foot. The sanctuary is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and nighttime worship takes place from the South Worship Hall. No admission fee or advance registration is required. If you are unsure of the worship procedure, you can ask staff at the precinct office (Keidaigakari Honjo) on the grounds. Reservations are required for a guided tour of the sanctuary. Tenri University Sankokan Museum is located about 430 meters to the south, and Isonokami-jingu Shrine is located about 880 meters to the east-southeast.