Located in the Hida Mountains of Shiga Prefecture, White Mountain Shrine is a sacred site for the indigenous Awa people and is believed to be inhabited by the kami, Ryūjin, and the sea goddess, Namahagane. The shrine is famous for its beautiful fall foliage and traditional architecture. Visitors can experience a serene atmosphere while strolling through the surrounding forests.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Coordinates
- 35.3963691, 136.3047491
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit during the autumn foliage season (mid-November to mid-December) and take a short hike through the nearby forest.
Cultural notes
The shrine is closely tied to the mythology of the Awa people, who believed that the mountains held spiritual power. The shrine also hosts an annual autumn festival called Awa Odori, which features traditional dances and music.
Historical note
The shrine was established in 1888 as a result of an imperial decree to establish shrines throughout Japan.