Japanese shrines

八田神社

八田神社

Shiga

Located in the town of Katsuta, Shiga Prefecture, Eight Gates Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the gods of agriculture and fertility, with a history dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine's main deity is Fudo Myo'o, also known as the Eight-Looking Dragon, a powerful deity revered for its ability to purify and bring good fortune. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a large torii gate and a distinctive eight-story pagoda. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a sacred pond and several shrines dedicated to various regional kami.

滋賀県護国神社

滋賀県護国神社

Shiga

滋賀県護国神社 is a Shinto shrine located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Founded in the early Heian period (794-1185 CE), it is dedicated to the protection and prosperity of the city of Hikone, which was the former seat of the Takeda clan. The shrine's primary deity, Ō-no-machi no Kami, is believed to be a powerful kami associated with good fortune, health, and wisdom.

天神社

天神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Tenjinsha is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, one of the most powerful kami in Japanese mythology. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it showcases unique architectural features from the Heian period, such as its vermilion torii gate and elegant wooden roof.

市杵姫神社

市杵姫神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Hikone, City of Hikone Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Princess Nagayo, also known as Shimokawa-hime. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a traditional Japanese-style main hall and several sub-temples. The shrine's grounds feature several scenic areas, including the Hikone Castle Ruins and the Lake Biwa shoreline.

小津若宮神社

小津若宮神社

Shiga

小津若宮神社 is a small Shinto shrine located in the city of Omi, Shiga Prefecture. The shrine is dedicated to the kami Inari Okami, revered as the god of rice, fertility, and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a tiled roof and wooden columns adorned with ornate carvings. Visitors can enjoy the shrine's peaceful atmosphere, especially during the autumn foliage season.

荒龍神社

荒龍神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Hikone, Omi-arashiyama-jinja Shrine is a well-known Shinto shrine dedicated to the dragon god Ariwara no Narihira and his spirit partner, a woman named Tomoe. The shrine is situated on a hill overlooking the Kuzuryu River and features a beautiful garden with a stunning stone statue of Tomoe in front of the main hall. Visitors can experience traditional Japanese culture by participating in tea ceremonies or taking part in martial arts classes.

印岐志呂神社

印岐志呂神社

Shiga

Located in the town of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Indogitsu Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, Inari Ōkami. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a rural temple dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE), with a distinctive roof shape and wooden pillars. Visitors can explore the shrine's serene grounds, which feature beautifully landscaped gardens and walking paths.

天満宮

天満宮

Shiga

Located in the city of Omi, Hachiman Shrine, also known as Tenman-ji, is one of Japan's oldest and most revered shrines dedicated to the god of war, Hachiman. Built in 711 AD during the Nara period, the shrine was originally constructed on Mount Kurama, near Lake Biwa. Over time, it has been relocated several times due to volcanic eruptions and changes in location.

志那神社

志那神社

Shiga

Hie Shrine, dedicated to the god of agriculture and fertility, is located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. Built on the site where the 10th Emperor, Emperor Saimei, was said to have died, the shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture. The shrine is famous for its association with the legend of Hie no Tsuka, a samurai who prayed for victory before his death at the Battle of Dan-no-ura.

惣社神社

惣社神社

Shiga

Watanabe no Murakami Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hikone, Shiga Prefecture. Dedicated to Watanabe no Murakami, a renowned daimyo of the Edo period, the shrine offers insights into the region's history and the mythology of the local area.

大将軍神社

大将軍神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Daidokan Jinja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the legendary leader Oshinaga no Okuni, also known as Sanada Yukimura, but the main deity enshrined here is Tenjin. The shrine's architecture is characteristic of Edo period (1603-1867) style, with a large torii gate and a five-story pagoda. Daidokan Jinja has played an important role in local history, particularly during the Sengoku period (1467-1603), when it served as a center for military strategy.

恵比須社

恵比須社

Shiga

Enbei-su-ja is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Ebisu, the god of prosperity and good fortune. Located in the city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, the shrine dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868). The shrine's architecture reflects traditional Japanese design, with a rectangular courtyard surrounded by vermilion gates and wooden buildings. Visitors can pray for good luck and success at the shrine's torii gate, while also admiring the beautiful gardens.

奥御前社

奥御前社

Shiga

Otsu Okami-miya Shrine, located in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Amaterasu Ōmikami, one of the three primary kami of Japan's imperial family. The shrine is known for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture, dating back to the Heian period (794-1185 CE). Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and a tranquil pond.

護縁神社

護縁神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Omi-ji, Shiga Prefecture, 護縁神社 is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of protection and safe passage. The shrine is particularly associated with the Japanese folk tale of 'Ushinari-gami' or 'Omi-ji's Shinto protector', said to have helped a young woman named Mimi on her journey. This tale reflects the shrine's historical significance as a revered stopping point for travelers and traders.

大萱神社

大萱神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Hikone, Omi Bige-ya Shrine is a revered Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Omi, also known as Emperor Tameemori, who ruled Japan from 715 to 724. The shrine complex dates back to the Heian period and features a unique five-story pagoda-style roof, a rare architectural style in Japanese Shintoism.

天満宮

天満宮

Shiga

Located in the city of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Tenman-ji Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of prosperity and good fortune, Tenjin. Built in 1844 during the Edo period, the shrine's main hall features a striking red lacquer exterior. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and gardens, as well as the Tenman-ji Museum showcasing local art and history.

老杉神社

老杉神社

Shiga

Located in the town of Hikone, Shiga Prefecture, Old Cedar Shrine is dedicated to a kami associated with cedar trees and fertility. As one of Japan's oldest shrines, it dates back to the 7th century and has been an important cultural and spiritual center for centuries. The shrine is notable for its unique architecture, which blends traditional Japanese styles with local influences from the region.

山神神社

山神神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Koka, Shiga Prefecture, Mount Yama Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the mountain god known as Tamazusa-Okami. The shrine is situated at the foot of Mt. Yama and is famous for its beautiful autumn foliage. Its architecture reflects traditional Japanese temple styles with a vermilion torii gate and wooden gates. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views, hiking trails, and traditional festivals such as the Autumn Leaves Festival. The shrine also offers various cultural activities and historical attractions.

厳島神社

厳島神社

Shiga

厳島神社, located on the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest and most revered Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, the shrine is believed to have been established during the Nara period (710-794 CE). The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance, with a wooden torii gate that dates back to the 17th century. Visitors can experience the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine by taking a boat ride on Lake Biwa or by strolling through the surrounding gardens.

印岐志呂神社 大鳥居

印岐志呂神社 大鳥居

Shiga

Located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Oi no Tsumi Shrine is a small but significant Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami Oi no Tsumi. The shrine's name literally translates to 'Shrine of Poisonous Water'. According to legend, the shrine was founded by Saint Ninno in 725 CE as a result of his journey to this site, where he was healed of his illness after drinking from a nearby stream that is said to have purifying properties.

欲賀神社

欲賀神社

Shiga

Located in the city of Nagahama, Desire God Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Okami, the Shinto god of desire and fertility. The shrine is famous for its beautiful garden and traditional architecture, which reflects the Heian period style. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic views of Lake Biwa.

八幡宮

八幡宮

Shiga

Located in the city of Nagahama, Shiga Prefecture, Eightfold Temple Shrine (Hachimangu) is a famous Shinto temple dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war and patron deity of Japanese warriors. Built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE), this historic shrine has played a significant role in Japanese history and culture.

唐崎社紅葉橋遥拝所

唐崎社紅葉橋遥拝所

Shiga

Located in the town of Echizen, Shiga Prefecture, Tsuzaki Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine dedicated to the god of good fortune and prosperity. The shrine is particularly famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and traditional architecture.

奥津島神社

奥津島神社

Shiga

Located on the tranquil island of Shikoku, Otsu-shrines are a group of shrines scattered across the region. This particular shrine, dedicated to the water god, Otsukimi-no-Okami, is one of the oldest and most revered in the area. Its serene atmosphere and majestic architecture make it a must-visit destination for those seeking solace and connection with nature.