Located in the city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture,吉田神社 (Giyuda Shrine) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Gyoda. The shrine's architecture reflects the Heian period, with a main hall constructed from cedar wood and a thatched roof. Visitors can admire the shrine's beautiful garden, which features a large stone lantern and a small pond. The shrine is also known for its traditional festivals, including the Otsu Festival, which takes place in August. During the festival, locals dress up in traditional costumes and perform rituals to honor Gyoda.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Gyoda
- Kami enshrined
- Gyoda
- Coordinates
- 35.0366948, 135.7616692
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the garden's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight filters through the trees, illuminating the stone lantern.
Cultural notes
Gyoda is often associated with water and purification. Locals believe that visiting the shrine during a typhoon brings good luck for the rest of the year. The Otsu Festival also features a traditional dance called 'Yamabushi Odori,' which tells the story of a young priest who purified the waters of the nearby Lake Biwa.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in 1592 after being destroyed during the Ōnin War.