Hand-watering shrine, a place where travelers can rest and refresh themselves at the banks of Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. The shrine is dedicated to a kami associated with water and fertility, and its architecture reflects the importance of these elements in Shiga Prefecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 34.9486928, 135.7304466
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine's garden at dawn or dusk to appreciate its serene beauty, and bring a bottle of water from Lake Biwa to make an offering to the kami.
Cultural notes
This shrine is connected to the mythology of the Oigawa River, which flows into Lake Biwa. The Oigawa River is said to be inhabited by the otokoyama, a type of supernatural mountain spirit believed to have the power to control water and fertility.
Historical note
Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this shrine has been an important stop for travelers and locals alike for centuries.