Hiyoshi Taisha

Overview

Hiyoshi Taisha is a Shinto shrine in Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. It is counted among the Shikinaisha (Myojin Taisha) and the Twenty-Two Shrines. It once served as the guardian shrine of Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, and from the medieval period was also known as Hie-sha or Sanno Gongen.

Highlights

• ●The Nishi-Hongu and Higashi-Hongu main halls are designated National Treasures
• ●Extensive grounds preserved as a National Historic Site of Japan
• ●Main halls built in the distinctive Hiyoshi-zukuri architectural style
• ●An ancient shrine counted among the Twenty-Two Shrines

History

Recorded as "Hiyoshi Jinja" in the Engishiki register of deities, it came to be called Hie-sha, Hie Sanno-sha, and Sanno Gongen from the medieval period onward. It formerly served as the guardian shrine of Enryaku-ji, the head temple of the Tendai Sanmon school on Mount Hiei. Its former rank was Kanpei-taisha, and it is now a Beppyo shrine.

Map

35.0715, 135.8622 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Visit the Nishi-Hongu main hall, designated a National Treasure
2. 2Continue to the Higashi-Hongu main hall, also a National Treasure
3. 3Observe the distinctive Hiyoshi-zukuri architecture of the main halls
4. 4Take a leisurely walk through the extensive grounds designated a Historic Site

Did you know?

💡 Both the Nishi-Hongu and Higashi-Hongu main halls are designated National Treasures.

Nearby spots