Located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Hie Shrine is dedicated to the kami of the cow's tail, a symbol associated with fertility and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its long history dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a distinctive torii gate and a large hall that houses several shrines within shrines.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inazuma
- Kami enshrined
- Inazuma, Hige-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 35.1225152, 136.1897131
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, visit the shrine early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is not direct, allowing for a more serene experience.
Cultural notes
The cow's tail is considered a sacred symbol in Japanese culture, associated with fertility and prosperity. The shrine also hosts an annual festival, where visitors can participate in traditional games and activities, such as yabusame (archery with moving targets) and kanpeki (a wrestling match).