Hyosu Taisha Shrine, located in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, is a historic shrine boasting a beautiful, nationally designated strolling garden, offering a serene and atmospheric experience.
Shrines and Temples
Historic Sites
World Heritage
Japanese Gardens
Highlights
Explore the historic shrine, including the gate and main sanctuary, designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Stroll through the beautiful strolling garden, believed to be from the late Heian period.
Refresh your mind and body in the tranquil natural setting.
Admire precious treasures, including weaponry from Minamoto no Yoritomo and the Tokugawa clan.
Enjoy the garden's ever-changing beauty throughout the seasons.
Take the JR West Tokaido Main Line (Biwa Lake Line) to Yasu Station. Then, take the following bus:
South Exit: Take the Yasu City Community Bus and get off at Gojo Jichi Kaikan bus stop. It's a 3-minute walk from there.
North Exit: Take the Omi Railway Bus and get off at Hyosu Taisha-mae bus stop. It's a 5-minute walk from there. Show route
Op.Hours
9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Cld.Days
Open every day
Fee
Garden admission fee: 200 yen for adults, 100 yen for students
INFO
Free parking available. 40 spaces for standard vehicles, 5 spaces for large vehicles.
Hyosu Taisha Shrine, situated in Yasu City, Shiga Prefecture, is a historically significant shrine, said to have been founded during the Nara period.
Its principal deity is Okuninushi-no-mikoto, also known as Yachihoko-no-kami.
The meaning of the name "Hyosu" is uncertain, with some theories suggesting it's not an indigenous Japanese deity but rather one of foreign origin from China.
However, the existence of the Yamashiro-za Hyosu Jinja Shrine in Nara Prefecture, along the Yamanobe no Michi (mountain path), clearly indicates an ancient history of "Hyosu-shin" worship.
Hyosu Taisha Shrine is listed in the Engishiki Jinmyocho (an ancient register of shrines), as one of the Myojin Taisha shrines, and has long been revered as a guardian deity of the region.
At the entrance, stands a vermilion gate, said to have been donated by Ashikaga Takauji. Beyond the gate lies a gravel path shaded by ancient maple trees.
Further in, stand the aesthetically pleasing main hall and the flowing-style main sanctuary.
South of the shrine buildings lies a beautiful garden, believed to date back to the late Heian period. Centered around a pond, this stunning garden is designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty.
Hyosu Taisha Shrine offers more than just a glimpse into history and culture; it's a place to refresh body and mind amidst a tranquil natural environment.
Why not take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful, green surroundings while experiencing a piece of history?