The White Stone Shrine, located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Hachiman-gami, the god of war and patron deity of the Takeda clan. The shrine's name 'Goshi-jinja' literally means 'White Stone Shrine', referring to a large white stone at the entrance of the shrine grounds. Visitors can explore the shrine's traditional architecture, including the main hall and several smaller shrines, which house various deities.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman-gami
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman-gami
- Coordinates
- 35.4498642, 135.9024494
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's tranquil atmosphere, visit at dawn or dusk when the sun casts a golden glow on the shrine grounds.
Cultural notes
The White Stone Shrine is famous for its association with the legend of Ōtori Yoshisuke, a Takeda clan leader who was said to have sought Hachiman-gami's guidance before his death. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in May, which features traditional dances and games.
Historical note
The White Stone Shrine was established in the Heian period (794-1185 CE), during the reign of Emperor Ichijō, who was a devotee of Hachiman-gami.