This study aims to analyze the space composition and line of flow of Shinto shrines, particularly the ‘Kyu-Kampeitaisha' shrines in Nara Prefecture, which are large and important shrines of the old hierarchy. The analysis is based on a comparison with small and medium size shrines. Eight shrines were investigated considering their location, surroundings, composition elements and their composition. The results show that the large shrines have remarkable geomorphic characteristics. The locations were mainly chosen by geomorphic characteristics. This as a cause, the relations of the shrines and surrounding elements declined. Moreover, most of the ‘Kyu-Kampeitaisha' shrines comprise the inner shrines, the outer shrines, open spaces and approaches, and the scale of shrines depends on the length of approaches. The compositions that met the geomorphic characteristics and intentional compositions, which were modeled on the geomorphic characteristics, were seen in the line of flow. However, a few compositions irrelevant to the geomorphic characteristics were also seen. Approaches give rise to asymmetrical space compositions, which, in general, can find a commonality with the Japanese sense.
