Namiho Shrine, located in Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of the sea and fishing. The shrine's name, Namiho, roughly translates to ' wave god' or 'god of waves'. According to local lore, the shrine was established by a fisherman who prayed for a bountiful catch after a long period of drought. His prayer was answered, and the shrine has since become an important cultural and spiritual center for the region's fishermen.
- Denomination
- shinto
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 34.9618852, 135.9468437
Visitor tip
Visitors can purchase a traditional osho-kasa (fisherman's hat) at the shrine's gift shop and wear it while praying to show respect for the fishing community.
Cultural notes
Namiho Shrine is famous for its unique architectural feature, the 'torigoten,' a lantern tower that stands at an impressive 26.4 meters tall, making it one of the tallest in Japan. The shrine also hosts an annual festival called 'Kawachi Matsuri' in honor of the god of the sea and fishing.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1688 during the Edo period, after it was damaged by an earthquake.