Located in the town of Katsuyama, Shiga Prefecture, Hattori Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to Hattori Masakazu, a loyal samurai who served the Tokugawa shogunate during the Edo period. The shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, which date back to the 17th century.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hattori no Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Hattori no Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.1208443, 135.8323441
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's tranquility, visit during the spring cherry blossom season or autumn foliage period.
Cultural notes
As a shrine dedicated to a loyal samurai, Hattori Shrine is associated with the mythology of the 'Shinbutsu Shugo' system, in which loyal retainers were enshrined as kami. The shrine's architecture reflects the traditional Japanese style of 'tachibana-zukuri', with its distinctive curved roofs and pagoda-style tower.
Historical note
Founded in 1679 by Hattori Masakazu's father, with subsequent renovations and expansions in the 18th and 19th centuries.