Hie Shrine
日枝神社
Tokyo · Chiyoda
Hie/Sanno National Protection
Meishin-taisha
Hiyoshi Taisha
日吉大社
Nijunisha
Admission
500 yen
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
300 yen
Access
10 min walk
Hours
9:00-16:30
Overview
Hiyoshi Taisha sits at the base of Mount Hiei and serves as the head of approximately 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno shrines across Japan. Its two main halls (Nishi Hongu and Higashi Hongu) are designated National Treasures, featuring the unique 'hiyoshi-zukuri' architectural style found nowhere else. The shrine has deep historical connections with Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. In the Sanno Shinto tradition, the shrine's deities were syncretized with Buddhist figures, creating a rich spiritual complex. The annual Sanno Festival in April is one of the most spectacular shrine festivals in the Kansai region. Monkeys (saru) are considered divine messengers here, as the word 'saru' also means 'to expel,' connecting to the shrine's role in warding off evil.
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of mountains, land, and agriculture; guardian deity of Kyoto and Enryaku-ji temple
⛩
primary Deity
God of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and en-musubi (binding of fates/relationships)
Blessings
Shrine Network
Hie/Sanno Head shrine (souhonsha)
Did You Know?
💡
Monkeys are the divine messengers of this shrine. The word 'saru' (monkey) is a pun for 'saru' (to expel evil).
Source: tradition
💡
The shrine's unique 'hiyoshi-zukuri' architectural style is found only at this shrine.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.0706, 135.8694
Physical Address
5-1-1 Sakamoto, Otsu-shi, Shiga
滋賀県大津市坂本5-1-1
Access
Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station (Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line)
10 min walk
Hours
9:00-16:30
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Hiyoshi Taisha?
Hiyoshi Taisha sits at the base of Mount Hiei and serves as the head of approximately 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno shrines across Japan. Its two main halls (Nishi Hongu and Higashi Hongu) are designated National Treasures, featuring the unique 'hiyoshi-zukuri' architectural style found nowhere else. The shrine has deep historical connections with Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. In the Sanno Shinto tradition, the shrine's deities were syncretized with Buddhist figures, creating a rich spiritual complex. The annual Sanno Festival in April is one of the most spectacular shrine festivals in the Kansai region. Monkeys (saru) are considered divine messengers here, as the word 'saru' also means 'to expel,' connecting to the shrine's role in warding off evil.
Where is Hiyoshi Taisha located?
Hiyoshi Taisha is located in Otsu-shi, Shiga. The full address is: 5-1-1 Sakamoto, Otsu-shi, Shiga.
What deities are enshrined at Hiyoshi Taisha?
The enshrined deities are: Oyamakui no Kami, Okuninushi no Mikoto.
What blessings can you pray for at Hiyoshi Taisha?
Hiyoshi Taisha is known for: Warding Off Evil (Directional Protection), Matchmaking, General Prosperity.
How do I get to Hiyoshi Taisha?
The nearest station is Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station (Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line). It is about a 10-minute walk from the station.