City Katsura Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and the god of thunder Susanoo. The shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), and features a unique architectural style that reflects its historical significance.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo
- Coordinates
- 34.9868349, 135.9247544
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the morning sun casts a warm glow over the grounds.
Cultural notes
City Katsura Shrine is famous for its unique 'haiden' (main hall) design, which features a distinctive curved roof and wooden columns. The shrine is also said to be the origin of the Hikone Festival, a annual event held in June that celebrates the arrival of summer.
Historical note
Founded during the reign of Emperor Saga in the early 8th century.