Shun'yō-den, located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the storm god Susanoo. The shrine's architecture reflects its age, with a traditional Japanese-style gate, torii, and a large square hall. A notable aspect of the shrine is its unique 'harae' ritual, where priests purify the grounds using sacred waters.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Amaterasu
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo
- Coordinates
- 34.9668076, 135.7728924
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk to see the golden light on the torii gate.
Cultural notes
In Shiga Prefecture, the shrine is often visited during the spring season (March-May) when cherry blossoms bloom. Locals believe that Susanoo, the storm god, brings fertility and prosperity during this time.Visitors can experience traditional Japanese sweets and tea in the shrine's ceremonial room.
Historical note
Shun'yō-den was founded during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), specifically in 1247.