Located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Hanae Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to the goddess of rivers and fertility. With its rich history dating back to the Edo period, the shrine offers a glimpse into Japan's cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the shrine's beautifully maintained grounds and traditional architecture, including the iconic torii gate.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Inari, Ebisu
- Coordinates
- 34.9470579, 136.2402448
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's serene atmosphere, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight filters through the torii gate's pillars.
Cultural notes
As a river goddess enshrinement, Hanae Shrine is associated with fertility and prosperity. During the spring equinox, locals gather to pray for good harvests and abundant water supply. The shrine's architecture also features several shrines dedicated to other kami, including Inari Okami and Ebisu.
Historical note
Founded in 1624 during the Edo period, Hanae Shrine was originally constructed as a temple dedicated to the god of rivers, but was later converted into a Shinto shrine in 1920.