Shirahige Shrine

Overview

Shirahige Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Ukawa, Takashima, in Shiga Prefecture, and is regarded as the head shrine of the Shirahige shrines found across Japan. Dedicated to Sarutahiko Okami, it is a shrine recorded in the national histories and formerly held the rank of prefectural shrine. It is also known by the names "Shirahige Daimyojin" and "Hira Myojin."

Highlights

• ●Its standing as the head shrine of the Shirahige shrines nationwide
• ●A torii gate rising from the shore of Lake Biwa against the backdrop of Okishima, earning the name "Itsukushima of Omi"
• ●A hip-and-gable roofed main hall designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan
• ●Recognition as a Japan Heritage component of "Lake Biwa and its waterside landscape"

History

The shrine appears in Japan's national histories and once held the rank of prefectural shrine. Its present main hall dates to 1603 in the early Edo period, and its hip-and-gable roofed architecture is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. In 2015 it was recognized as a Japan Heritage site as a component of "Lake Biwa and its waterside landscape: a water heritage of prayer and daily life."

Map

35.2744, 136.0111 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1View the torii gate standing by Lake Biwa and take in the "Itsukushima of Omi" scenery
2. 2Worship at the hip-and-gable roofed main hall and see the Important Cultural Property architecture
3. 3Learn the shrine's history as the head shrine, also called Shirahige Daimyojin and Hira Myojin
4. 4Explore the waterside landscape of Lake Biwa recognized as Japan Heritage

Did you know?

💡 Because its torii gate seems to float from the shore of Lake Biwa against the backdrop of Okishima, the shrine is also called the "Itsukushima of Omi."

Nearby spots