Riverfront Shrine Ei Mei Sukami Shrine in Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture is dedicated to the protection of ships and sailors on Lake Biwa. The shrine's name, Ei Mei Sukami, roughly translates to 'God of Protection' or 'Beneficent God'.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- null
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 34.7596899, 135.8554475
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's unique atmosphere, visit at dawn or dusk when the sun casts a golden glow on the shrine grounds, highlighting the reflection of the surrounding mountains in Lake Biwa.
Cultural notes
The shrine is particularly famous for its festivals, including the 'Yudofu Festival' which celebrates the arrival of yudofu (boiled tofu), a local delicacy. The shrine's torii gate also serves as a popular spot for wedding ceremonies and has been featured in various Japanese dramas.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) as a simple torii gate near the riverfront.