Located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Nineteen Rock Shrines is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the enshrined deity Okuninushi no okami, known as the god of agriculture and fertility. The shrine is famous for its unique rock formations and mythological connections to the legend of the 'Rock that Turns People into Rocks.' Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which feature over 1,000 rocks from various locations across Japan, including some believed to have been turned into rocks as punishment by Okuninushi.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Okuninushi no okami
- Kami enshrined
- Okuninushi, no, okami
- Coordinates
- 35.4946634, 135.8658221
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's unique rock formations, visit during the spring season when the rocks are covered in moss and greenery.
Cultural notes
In Japanese folklore, Nineteen Rock Shrines is connected to the legend of Okuninushi, who was said to have turned people into rocks as punishment. The shrine's unique rock formations are believed to be a manifestation of this mythological connection.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built in 1546, during the Sengoku period and rebuilt after a fire in 1844.