Ai Denshin In is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is dedicated to the kami of Ai no Kuni, a legendary province said to be the place where the sun rose and set during the mythological era of Yamato. Visitors can see the shrine's distinctive five-story pagoda and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Biwa, which is said to be the boundary between Ai no Kuni and the neighboring region of Yamashiro.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Oigusa
- Kami enshrined
- Oigusa
- Coordinates
- 35.0632921, 135.7747784
Visitor tip
To experience the full beauty of the shrine, consider visiting during the cherry blossom season (mid-April to early May), when the surrounding trees are in bloom and the pagoda is surrounded by vibrant pink and white petals.
Cultural notes
Ai Denshin In is associated with the mythological sun goddess Amaterasu, who was said to have been born in Ai no Kuni. The shrine also holds an annual festival (Hinamatsuri) in May to celebrate the coming of spring and honor the legendary province's connection to the sun.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1576 by the Hojo clan, a powerful daimyo family that ruled the area during the Sengoku period.