Located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Eight-Sacred-Mountain Shrine is one of Japan's most famous shrines dedicated to the mythological giant Otohime. According to legend, Otohime fell in love with a mortal and was turned into a mountain by her father, the sea god Urashima Taro. The shrine is famous for its beautiful garden, stunning architecture, and annual autumn festival.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Otohime
- Kami enshrined
- Otohime
- Coordinates
- 34.9717148, 136.1717548
Visitor tip
Visitors can purchase commemorative coins called 'hanko' at the shrine's gift shop to be stamped with their name in a traditional kanji character.
Cultural notes
Eight-Sacred-Mountain Shrine is closely tied to the mythology of Urashima Taro and Otohime. During the autumn festival, visitors can participate in a ritual called 'tsutsugari' where they tie red ribbons around their wrists in hopes of good luck.
Historical note
Founded during the Heian period (794-1185 CE),