Located in the heart of Lake Biwa, Eihei-ji Temple's Buddhist origins and Shiga Prefecture's rich history intertwine with the ancient shrine of Katori Okuni Sanzan, a Shinto site revered as the ancestral shrine of the Japanese imperial family. The present shrine was rebuilt in 1896 after a fire destroyed the original structure from 1852.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Okuninushi no Kami
- Kami enshrined
- Okuninushi no Kami
- Coordinates
- 35.0624367, 135.8771101
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the scenic views of Lake Biwa, visit at dawn or dusk when the light reflects off the water's surface.
Cultural notes
Katori Okuni Sanzan is connected to the legend of Emperor Jimmu and is said to be the ancestral shrine of the Imperial Family. It is also associated with purification and spiritual cleansing.
Historical note
The shrine was built on the site where the legendary Emperor Jimmu once prayed for water to quench his thirst during his migration northward from Kyushu.