Hokkaido Shrine
北海道神宮
Hokkaido · Sapporo
Independent Ichinomiya Development
Kanpei-taisha
Omi Jingu
近江神宮
Admission
Free
Goshuin
300 yen
Access
10 min walk
Hours
6:00-18:00
Overview
Omi Jingu enshrines Emperor Tenji, the 7th-century emperor who established Japan's first water clock (roukoku) and is thus revered as the patron of timekeeping. The shrine houses a clock museum with timepieces from around the world. The shrine is also the spiritual home of competitive karuta, the fast-paced card game based on the Hyakunin Isshu poetry anthology. Emperor Tenji's poem is the first in the collection, and the national karuta championship is held here every January.
History
Founding
📄
Documented
1940 Source: Founded in Showa 15 to commemorate 2600th anniversary of imperial reign
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
The 38th emperor (626–672); architect of the Taika Reforms; instituted Japan's first legal codes
Blessings
Shrine Network
Did You Know?
💡
The annual competitive karuta (Hyakunin Isshu) national championship is held here every January, famously depicted in the manga/anime 'Chihayafuru'.
Source: documented
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.0372, 135.8531
Physical Address
1-1 Jingu-cho, Otsu-shi, Shiga
滋賀県大津市神宮町1-1
Historical Province
Omi
Access
Omi-Jingu-mae Station (Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line)
10 min walk
Hours
6:00-18:00
Best Times to Visit
January (competitive karuta championship)
Foreign Language Support
English (pamphlet)
Accessibility
Partial
Official Website
https://oumijingu.org/
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Why This Shrine
Shrine of the emperor who created Japan's first clock, and the sacred ground of competitive karuta. Fans of 'Chihayafuru' will feel right at home.
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Learn More About Shinto Shrines
Background reading for visitors and pilgrims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Omi Jingu?
Omi Jingu enshrines Emperor Tenji, the 7th-century emperor who established Japan's first water clock (roukoku) and is thus revered as the patron of timekeeping. The shrine houses a clock museum with timepieces from around the world. The shrine is also the spiritual home of competitive karuta, the fast-paced card game based on the Hyakunin Isshu poetry anthology. Emperor Tenji's poem is the first in the collection, and the national karuta championship is held here every January.
Where is Omi Jingu located?
Omi Jingu is located in Otsu-shi, Shiga. The full address is: 1-1 Jingu-cho, Otsu-shi, Shiga.
What deities are enshrined at Omi Jingu?
The enshrined deities are: Emperor Tenji.