Shirahige Shrine in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, features a red torii (portal) on Japan’s largest lake, Biwa, and has become popular in recent years as a picturesque sunset spot.
The sanctuary was built about 2,000 years ago and is said to attract longevity, academic achievement and marriage.
The Shirahige boasts the longest history of all shrines in Shiga Prefecture, formerly called Omi.
The name of the shrine, Shirahige, means “white beard” and as it indicates, the god of this shrine is known as that of longevity.
The scenery is beautiful during the day and amazing when the sun goes down on Lake Biwa.
The torii on the lake is lit for about two hours after sunset on weekends and sometimes for longer periods on special occasions like New Year’s Eve.
Certainly those who live in Shiga must have visited this place, but for those who are outside and are strolling there is worth knowing.
Shirahige Jinja (白 鬚 神社)
- Website for information: http://shirahigejinja.com/
- Free parking is available on site.
- Tap here to see location
Images: Portal Mie
Join the Conversation