Located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Takasago-daijingu Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and is one of Japan's oldest shrines. The shrine was originally constructed during the Nara period (710-794 CE) but has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the centuries, including a major reconstruction in 2005. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautiful gardens, which feature traditional Japanese architecture and landscaping. On the main festival day of Tanabata, the shrine is adorned with colorful lanterns and paper decorations.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Takasago-tsuchi
- Kami enshrined
- Takasago-tsuchi
- Coordinates
- 34.9939891, 135.7626291
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, consider arriving early to explore the serene gardens and shrines before the crowds arrive for the Tanabata festival.
Cultural notes
As a shrine dedicated to Amaterasu, Takasago-daijingu is an important site for Shinto worship and tradition. The shrine also hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Tanabata festival in July and the Omi Matsuri festival in October.
Historical note
The shrine was originally constructed during the Nara period (710-794 CE) but its location was changed to its current site in the Heian period (794-1185 CE).