Fire God Shrine is a Shinto temple located in the city of Gokayma, Shiga Prefecture. Dedicated to the god of fire, it is believed that the shrine's name 'fire' refers to its association with heat, light, and purification. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese styles, with a main hall (honden) covered in black wooden shingles and a roof adorned with golden paper lanterns.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Honokami
- Kami enshrined
- Honokami, or, God of Fire
- Coordinates
- 35.0024199, 135.7537066
Visitor tip
To avoid the crowds, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the afternoon to catch the tranquil atmosphere.
Cultural notes
According to legend, a kami from the nearby lake Biwa was enshrined at this site due to its unique ability to purify and ward off evil. The shrine is also famous for its biannual 'Fire Festival' (Hi no Odori), where participants dress in traditional costumes and perform intricate dance rituals.
Historical note
The Fire God Shrine was rebuilt after being destroyed during the Genroku period (1688-1704).