Located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, the Shrine of Utsubo Jo no Ō (Wakado no Ō) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the legendary Emperor Utsubo and his wife, Princess Wakado. The shrine is famous for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, reflecting the Heian period's cultural influences.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Emperor Utsubo
- Kami enshrined
- Emperor Utsubo, Princess Wakado
- Coordinates
- 35.1311904, 136.3553808
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the golden light of sunrise or sunset illuminates the grounds.
Cultural notes
Utsubo Jo no Ō is one of the few Shinto shrines dedicated to a legendary emperor, showcasing the importance of mythological figures in ancient Japanese culture. The shrine also hosts the annual Hikone Cherry Blossom Festival, celebrating the arrival of spring.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 718 during the Asuka period.