Located in the city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, the Textile Hall Shrine (Kunasan-gū) is one of Japan's oldest and most revered shrines dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto. The shrine's architecture reflects its rich history, with the iconic five-story pagoda dating back to the 7th century. The site itself is believed to have been established during the Nara period (710-794 CE), making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Coordinates
- 35.0316158, 135.7350224
Visitor tip
For visitors interested in history and culture, we recommend exploring the surrounding Otsu City Museum of Art, which features an impressive collection of Japanese textiles and crafts.
Cultural notes
This shrine is particularly notable for its association with the Noh theater, as it was said to be the inspiration for a famous Noh play about Susanoo-no-Mikoto. Visitors can also experience traditional Japanese festivals and ceremonies at the shrine throughout the year.
Historical note
The Textile Hall Shrine was originally built as a shrine dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, but later came to be associated with the deity Bishamonten.