Located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Katsuragi Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the worship of Amaterasu Omikami, the sun goddess and chief deity of the Japanese imperial family. The shrine's name, meaning 'mountain tomb of Eight-Horned God,' refers to its association with the legend of the Eight-Horned God of Yamatai, a powerful kami said to have been defeated by the sun goddess.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu Omikami
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Omikami
- Coordinates
- 34.7033733, 135.7856418
Visitor tip
Visit the shrine's museum to learn about its history and significance, and be sure to ring the bell at the entrance of the shrine grounds to purify yourself before entering.
Cultural notes
Katsuragi Shrine is associated with the legend of the Eight-Horned God of Yamatai, a powerful kami said to have been defeated by the sun goddess. The shrine also hosts the annual Hikone Matsuri festival, which takes place in August and features traditional dance performances and martial arts demonstrations.
Historical note
The site dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), with the current main hall constructed during the Edo period (1603-1867).