Hiyoshi Taisha

滋賀県

Head of about 3,800 Hiyoshi and Sanno shrines — guardian 'Sanno Gongen' of Enryaku-ji and origin of Sanno Shinto, with two National Treasure main halls

Founded

668

Type

Shrine

Visited

Want to go

Access

10 min walk from Keihan Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station

5-1-1 Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga

Open in Google Maps ↗

Info

Shrine

Founded 668

1358 years

Enshrined Deity

大己貴神

Overview

Head shrine of approximately 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sanno shrines nationwide, located at Sakamoto at the foot of Mt. Hiei. Bearing a long history of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism as the 'Sanno Gongen' guardian deity of Enryaku-ji, the shrine was deeply entwined with Tendai Buddhism. It features the distinctive 'Sanno torii' — gates with a roof in the shape of joined palms — and houses many Important…

Read more

Origins

Tradition dates the founding to the seventh year of Emperor Sujin; the Kojiki records the deity as residing on 'the Hie Mountain of Omi.' After Saicho founded Enryaku-ji on Mt. Hiei in 788, Hiyoshi-taisha came to be venerated as the temple's protective deity under the title Sanno Gongen, and the syn…

Read more

Pilgrimage Courses

Shinbutsu Reijo Pilgrimage

Japan Top 100: Nara/Shiga/Wakayama

Nijunisha: Lower 8

Sites of Akechi Mitsuhide

Divine Benefits

Business Prosperity

Healing & Longevity

Matchmaking

Abundant Harvest

Flourishing trade, new-shop openings, successful deals. A central prayer at Inari and Ebisu shrines.

Derived from the enshrined deity "大己貴神・大山咋神"

記
Related Articles
— 3

Oyamazui and Sanno Faith: The Deity and Prayers of Hie and Hiyoshi Shrines

Oyamazuino-kami is a deity who rules mountains and protects agriculture, land, and governance, enshrined as the principal deity of Hie and Hiyoshi shrines throughout Japan. This article traces the history of Sanno faith, from Hiyoshi Taisha in Shiga as the head shrine to its role as guardian deity of Edo.

Enryakuji Temple and Tendai Buddhism: Visiting the Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism

Enryakuji on Mt. Hiei, founded by Saicho, is the head temple of Tendai Buddhism and the spiritual mother of Japanese Buddhism, with three distinct temple complexes: Todo, Saito, and Yokawa.

Gogatsu Ningyo and Tango no Sekku — Samurai Prayers and the Meaning of Armor Dolls

Gogatsu Ningyo (Boys' Day dolls) are displayed on Tango no Sekku (May 5) to pray for a boy's health and success. Featuring armor, helmets, Kintoki, and Shoki, these displays trace to Kamakura-period warrior culture. This guide covers their origins, the meaning of each figure, and pilgrimage spots connected to Tango no Sekku.

人
Related Figures
— 3

Revolutionary of Tenka Fubu

In September 1571, Oda Nobunaga burned Mt. Hiei's Enryaku-ji, and Hiyoshi Taisha, long revered as its guardian shrine, was engulfed in the flames, losing all its buildings. Former priests spent roughly a decade rebuilding, and during the Tensho era the surviving Higashi Hongu and Nishi Hongu main halls, both National Treasures, were finally reconstructed.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Taiko, Ruler of All

Hideyoshi bore the childhood name 'Hiyoshi-maru,' which was associated with the shrine's deity. After the burning of Enryakuji, Hideyoshi used Sakamoto as a base and contributed to the restoration of Hiyoshi Taisha and the broader religious culture of Mt. Hiei.

Akechi Mitsuhide

Perpetrator of the Honnoji Incident

The temple town of Sakamoto, where Hiyoshi Taisha stands, was part of Mitsuhide's castle town centered on Sakamoto Castle (built 1571). Mitsuhide patronized the shrine and sustained Sakamoto's prosperity. After Honnoji, Sakamoto Castle was attacked by Hideyoshi's forces and burned with Mitsuhide's family inside.

Posts

0

＋

No posts yet

Goshuin

No goshuin posts yet

Visiting Information

Hours

Gates open 6:00–16:00 (Apr–Sep), 7:00–16:00 (Oct–Mar). Prayer reception 9:00–15:30.

Admission

Garden entry fee: adults ¥500, junior/senior high ¥300, elementary and under free. Groups ¥450.

As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.

Related Spots

Related

Enryaku-ji

Tendai head temple on Mt. Hiei. The shrine has shared a syncretic history with Enryaku-ji as its 'Sanno Gongen' guardian deity.

Related

Sakamoto Castle Ruins

Ruins of Sakamoto Castle built by Akechi Mitsuhide. The center of the temple town in front of Hiyoshi Taisha.

Another representative shrine of Ōmi Province; together with Taga Taisha forms the religious heart of Shiga.

Another major shrine of Ōmi Province; together with Takebe Taisha forms the heart of Shiga's religious heritage.

Also Worth Visiting

World Heritage 'mother mountain of Japanese Buddhism' founded by Saicho — birthplace of Honen, Shinran, Dogen, Nichiren

Burning of Mount Hiei

Saikyoji Temple

Saikyoji is the head temple of the Tendai Shinsei …

Omi Jingu in Otsu…

Sakamoto Castle Site

Sakamoto Castle was built in 1571 by Akechi Mitsuh…

A local Shinto shrine in Otsu…

Kajadono Shrine

A local Shinto shrine in Otsu…

Momoetenman Shrine

A Shinto shrine in Otsu…

記

Suggest an update

Suggest fixes to the location, history, visiting hours, access, facilities, notes and more

›

Report incorrect info ›

Get the app for a better experience

Auto stamp via GPS, offline access, and favorites tracking

View in app

＋

Explore pilgrimage with the app

View in app

✕