Located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, the Hon-den Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to the god of good fortune and prosperity, Ryujin. The shrine's main hall, or hon-den, is adorned with traditional wooden architecture and ornate decorations, while its surrounding gardens are renowned for their serene beauty. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include several temples and shrines dedicated to other deities.
- Religion
- shinto
- Kami enshrined
- Ryujin
- Coordinates
- 34.8969904, 135.7121591
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try visiting at dawn or dusk when the shrine's gardens are bathed in soft morning or evening light.
Cultural notes
The Hon-den Shrine is notable for its connections to Ryujin, the Japanese dragon god. According to legend, a powerful dragon was said to reside within the shrine's grounds, bringing good fortune and prosperity to the local community. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in July to honor Ryujin, which features traditional music, dance, and food stalls.
Historical note
The Hon-den Shrine was originally established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), but its current structure dates back to the Edo period (1603-1867 CE).