Located in the city of Hikone, Omi Jingu is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Built on a hill overlooking Lake Biwa, the shrine complex features beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese architecture.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu
- Kami enshrined
- Amaterasu, Ō no Beli
- Coordinates
- 34.9743211, 136.1622433
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at sunrise or sunset when the light casts a golden glow on the gardens and architecture.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's three oldest shrines, Omi Jingu is steeped in history and mythology. According to legend, Amaterasu herself was said to have descended upon the shrine during its construction. Today, visitors can still hear the soothing sound of the shrine's famous 'fifty-sun bell' at dawn and dusk.
Historical note
Built in 757 CE during the Nara period, Omi Jingu was originally constructed as a temple but was later converted to a Shinto shrine.