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Shirahige Shrine

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Shirahige Shrine

The symbol of the shrine is a large torii gate in the middle of Lake Biwa, which is known as a power spot with a spectacular view.

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Supervised by :  Shirahige Shrine

Standing in the northwestern part of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, this is the oldest Shinto shrine in Omi, which is said to be over 2,000 years old. The vermilion-lacquered Otorii gate stands in the middle of the lake across Route 161, reminiscent of the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, and is called the "Itsukushima of Omi”.

It is the head office of the Shirahige Shrine, which is one of the many shrines in Japan, and enshrines Sarutahiko-no-mikoto as its deity. As the name "Shirahige" suggests, the shrine has long been worshipped as the god of longevity and white beards, and is believed to be beneficial for prolonging life and longevity. In addition, the shrine has been worshipped nationwide as a "guiding deity" for all the activities and karma of the human world, with blessings for marriage, good luck, and academic success.

The main shrine, built in 1603 at the request of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and donated by his son Hideyori, is designated as a national important cultural property. The eternal lantern inscribed with the date of construction in August 1833 is a must-see. The temple is also dotted with monuments to poems written by famous poets such as Murasaki Shikibu, Matsuo Basho, and Yosano Tekkan and Yosano Akiko. Take a leisurely stroll around the precincts of the temple while thinking about its history.

In recent years, the mysterious sight of the Otorii gate floating on Lake Biwa has become a hot topic on social media. Many young people visit the shrine as a power spot with a spectacular view. The sunrise over the gate, the contrast of vermilion against the blue sky, and the night view of the island with the moon in the background are just a few of the many expressions of the gate that you can enjoy.

Highlights

  • The vermilion-lacquered Otorii gate standing in the middle of Lake Biwa is a popular landmark.
  • Many young people come to visit the shrine as a power spot with a spectacular view.
  • In addition to longevity, the shrine offers a variety of other benefits such as marriage and good fortune.
  • The main shrine, a national important cultural property, and a monument to a poet are among the many attractions.
  • The mystical Otorii gate has become a hot topic on social networking sites.

Photos

  • The symbol of the temple is the large torii gate standing in the middle of Lake Biwa. Biwako Visitors Bureau Public Interest Incorporated Association

    The symbol of the temple is the large torii gate standing in the middle of Lake Biwa. Biwako Visitors Bureau Public Interest Incorporated Association

  • Don't miss the Otorii Gate, which changes its expression from moment to moment. Biwako Visitors Bureau Public Interest Incorporated Association

    Don't miss the Otorii Gate, which changes its expression from moment to moment. Biwako Visitors Bureau Public Interest Incorporated Association

  • Many poetry monuments stand in the precincts Biwako Visitors Bureau Public Interest Incorporated Association

    Many poetry monuments stand in the precincts Biwako Visitors Bureau Public Interest Incorporated Association

Reviews

5

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人
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    Shirahige Shrine, located on the shore of Lake Biwa, has a long history. Though small and simple, it offers breathtakingly beautiful scenery. The most captivating sight is the vermilion torii gate standing in the lake. With the waves around it, it seems to float on the water, often creating the dreamlike illusion of being at Itsukushima Shrine, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views.

    For the best view of this torii gate on the water, the ideal photo spot is the observation deck inside the shrine grounds. From this elevated position, you get an expansive view that captures the depth of the lake and sky blending together while also keeping you safe.

    A national highway with fast-moving traffic separates the shrine from the torii gate, and there is no pedestrian crossing at all. For your own safety and that of drivers, please don't be an irresponsible traveler and risk crossing the road to the lakeshore on the other side. The best way to experience this sacred tranquility is to quietly pray in the lake breeze from the observation deck and gaze at the torii gate in the distance.

  • 王怡潔
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    This place is pretty remote and not easy to get to. There isn’t a safe area set up for visitors to view the torii gate in the water, either. Honestly, I wouldn’t really recommend it as a sightseeing spot.

  • Chien Fong
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    This beautiful shrine stands by the lake. I took a taxi from the station just to visit, and it was absolutely worth the trip.

  • 張幸宜
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    The torii gate standing in the lake is definitely one of the most beautiful sights at Lake Biwa.

  • 陳思予
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    The location is pretty remote and not easy to get to. If you want to walk over to the torii gate for photos, be extra careful—there's a lot of traffic on the road.

Details

Name in Japanese
白鬚神社
Postal Code
520-1122
Address
215 Ukawa, Takashima City, Shiga
Tel
0740-36-1555
Regular Holidays
None
Hours of operation
9:00am - 5:00pm
Admission
Free
Access
40 minute walk or 5 minute cab ride from Omi-Takashima Station on the JR Kosei Line.
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa