Located in Hikone City, Hikone Shrine is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami. The shrine complex features a unique blend of architectural styles, reflecting its history spanning over 1,400 years. Visitors can explore the impressive five-story pagoda, known as 'Gosho,' which houses a sacred mirror said to have been used by Emperor Jimmu, the legendary first emperor of Japan.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Coordinates
- 35.2612923, 136.25289
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, consider visiting at dawn or dusk when the golden light of sunrise or sunset illuminates the Gosho and surrounding grounds.
Cultural notes
Hikone Shrine is famous for its association with Hikone Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The shrine was once the spiritual center of the Tokugawa shogunate and has been visited by numerous notable figures throughout Japanese history.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 593 AD during the Asuka period and has since undergone numerous restorations.