Located in the city of Echizen, Shiga Prefecture, Ōi Shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the god Ōin, a kami associated with rice and fertility. The shrine is renowned for its unique architecture and beautiful gardens, which reflect the region's natural beauty.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Ōin
- Kami enshrined
- Ōin, Amaterasu
- Coordinates
- 35.009783, 135.7840975
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's serene atmosphere, visit at dawn or dusk when the sun is low, and enjoy the beautifully manicured gardens.
Cultural notes
Ōi Shrine is closely tied to the mythology of rice cultivation, with Ōin believed to be the patron kami of farmers. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in May to celebrate the beginning of the new rice harvest.
Historical note
Ōi Shrine was first mentioned in records from 816 CE, during the Nara period.