A Guide to Shirahige Shrine, Famous for Its Mystical Scenery Created by the Torii Gate in the Lake and Lake Biwa

The shrine buildings were founded by Princess Yamato-hime-no-Mikoto, daughter of Emperor Suinin.
The shrine's name comes from the appearance of the enshrined deity, Sarutahiko-no-Mikoto, who is said to look like an old man with white hair and a long white beard.
The current main hall was built by Hideyori, the third son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, following Hideyoshi's dying wish. It dates to the Warring States period (1467–1615) and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Across the national highway from Shirahige Shrine stands a large vermilion torii gate rising from Lake Biwa.
There are several theories as to why the torii gate stands in the lake, but the exact reason remains unknown.
There is even a legend that it suddenly appeared from the lake as a sign of natural disasters or major upheaval in the nation.
This mystical giant torii gate in the lake draws many visitors as a spectacular sightseeing spot.
The view is especially captivating at sunrise, when the sun aligns with the torii gate.
Be sure to enjoy the many different scenes here, from the contrast of the blue sky and the gate's vivid vermilion to the sight of the torii blending into the evening sky.

It was built and donated in 1603 by Hideyori, the third son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, following Hideyoshi's dying wish.
The main hall features a Momoyama-period (1573–1603) architectural style, with an irimoya-style roof covered in hinoki cypress bark, and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
When the worship hall was rebuilt in 1879, it was connected to the main hall, resulting in a complex roof structure.

Built in 1933, the shrine office is designated as a Registered Cultural Property of Japan as a structure showcasing the architectural techniques of its time.
A shrine office is where shrine staff handle administrative and management work, and it is also where visitors can apply for prayer services and receive amulets and omikuji fortune slips.
When picking up an amulet, be sure to take a close look at the shrine office itself as well.

Biwako Terrace is a nature resort overlooking Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, from an elevation of Approx. 1,100 meters.
Spend a luxurious moment relaxing over a meal while taking in the spectacular views from the two terraces spread across the summits of Mt. Uchimi and Mt. Horai.
The "The Main" area is also packed with dining options, including a terrace café, a buffet-style restaurant, and a café stand.
For the best views, take two lifts from the ropeway summit station to Mt. Horai at an elevation of 1,174 meters.
At Café 360 on the summit, you can enjoy sweeping 360-degree views centered around an arch-shaped wooden deck.

Kaimonzan Mangetsu-ji Temple is a Zen temple of the Rinzai school's Daitoku-ji branch, located on the lakeshore south of Lake Biwa Ohashi Bridge.
Within its grounds stands a hall at the end of a bridge extending over Lake Biwa. Called Ukimido, or "Floating Hall," because it appears to float on the lake's surface, it is one of Lake Biwa's most celebrated scenic spots.
Stand inside the hall after crossing the bridge, and you can take in a sweeping panorama of Lake Biwa with nothing to block the view.
It is a view that once captivated haiku poets and literary figures, and one best appreciated in a quiet, reflective mood.

This bridge spans Lake Biwa and connects Marunouchi-cho in Otsu City with Niihama-cho in Kusatsu City. It opened in 1974, originally as a toll road, before becoming free in 2013.
Lake Biwa has two bridges: this one, Omi Ohashi Bridge, and Biwako Ohashi Bridge, which connects Otsu City and Moriyama City.
Its gentle arching curve, together with the surrounding greenery, creates a beautiful lakeside landscape. The evening view is also wonderful, with the silhouette of the bridge standing out against the sunset.