A prestigious shrine nestled at the foot of Mount Hiei's Enryaku-ji Temple. Its stunning architecture and majestic natural setting are truly captivating.
Shrines and Temples
Highlights
A prestigious shrine nestled at the foot of Mount Hiei's Enryaku-ji Temple
Sacred grounds enveloped by breathtaking natural beauty
Historically significant structures such as the *roumon* (gate) and *honden* (main hall)
Soothing green vista of towering cedar trees
Renowned power spot believed to offer blessings of matchmaking, misfortune warding, and academic success
Approximately 20-minute walk from Hieizan-Sakamoto Station on the JR Kosei Line.
Approximately 10-minute walk from Sakamoto-Hieizan-guchi Station on the Keihan Ishiyama Line.
By car: From Kyoto, take National Route 161 and the Nishi-Otsu Bypass, exiting at the Shigarisato ramp and heading towards Sakamoto to the torii gate of Hiyoshi Taisha. From Tsuruga, take the Nishi-Otsu Bypass and exit at the Sakamoto-Kita Interchange, turn right, and proceed to the torii gate of Hiyoshi Taisha. Show route
Op.Hours
9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Cld.Days
None
Fee
Free
INFO
For parking, please cross the bridge and pay at the reception. It's around ¥1000, I believe. There's parking for several dozen cars up a small path.
Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine, located in Sakamoto, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, is a venerable shrine dedicated to the deity Sanno Gongen. Situated at the base of Mount Hiei's Enryaku-ji Temple, it has been a site of profound reverence for centuries.
Its history stretches back to 788 (Enryaku 7), when it's said to have been established by Emperor Kanmu. It subsequently developed a deep connection with Enryaku-ji Temple, flourishing as a shrine dedicated to Sanno Gongen.
The shrine grounds are a sacred space embraced by magnificent nature. Numerous historical structures, including the impressive *roumon* (gate), the *honden* (main hall), and the *kaguraden* (sacred music hall), remain, their grandeur captivating all who visit. Towering cedar trees line the grounds, offering a soothing green vista and a sense of tranquility.
Hiyoshi Taisha is also renowned as a power spot, believed to bestow blessings of matchmaking, misfortune warding, academic success, and more. Saiho-ji Temple, located within the grounds, once thrived as a branch temple of Hiyoshi Taisha and boasts beautiful gardens well worth exploring.
Alongside Enryaku-ji Temple, Hiyoshi Taisha is one of Shiga Prefecture's leading tourist attractions—a captivating blend of history, nature, and faith.