About
On the calm surface of Lake Biwa, a vermilion-painted grand torii gate stands quietly. As the morning sun colors the eastern sky, its light reflects off the lake, enveloping the torii in golden hues. This scene radiates a mystical beauty, as if witnessing the very moment when the gods descend.
This torii is the symbol of Shirahige Shrine, considered the oldest grand shrine in Omi. According to shrine tradition, it was founded about two thousand years ago during the reign of Emperor Suinin by Princess Yamato-hime-no-mikoto. The enshrined deity is Sarutahiko-no-mikoto, known as the god who guided the heavenly grandson during his descent, and is revered as the god of guidance and opening paths. True to his name, he is depicted as an old man with white hair and a white beard, and is also worshipped as a deity of longevity and long life.
The grand torii in the lake was erected in 1937 through a donation by Kyubei Konishi, a pharmaceutical wholesaler from Osaka. Since ancient times, there has been a legend of a torii appearing in the lake, and this torii was built to recreate that legend. Today, it has become one of the representative landscapes of Lake Biwa. Especially at sunrise, many people visit to catch a glimpse of this mystical sight.
Within the shrine grounds stands a monument inscribed with a poem composed by the couple Tekkan and Akiko Yosano. The poem, “Before the god Shirahige, a spring wells up; when one draws from it, a person is purified,” praises the pure water that springs forth in front of the shrine, resonating as if it cleanses the hearts of visitors.
Additionally, during the annual grand festival held on September 5th and 6th, a ritual called “Naruko-mairi” is performed. In this ceremony, a child of two years (by traditional counting) is given a name before the deity, and the name is called for three days, praying for the child’s safe growth and longevity. This ritual draws many worshippers not only from the surrounding areas but also from across the country, including the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe region.
The main hall of Shirahige Shrine was constructed by order of Toyotomi Hideyori, following the will of his father Hideyoshi, with Katagiri Katsumoto serving as magistrate. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The main hall has a clear, square floor plan, and when the worship hall was rebuilt in the Meiji era, it was connected to the main hall, resulting in the current complex roof structure.
Standing on the shores of Lake Biwa, this shrine offers visitors deep inspiration along with the changing scenery of the four seasons. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom in profusion; in summer, lush green trees flourish. In autumn, the grounds are colored with brilliant foliage, and in winter, a snowy landscape creates a mystical atmosphere. No matter the season, unchanging tranquility and timeless beauty spread throughout this place.
Shirahige Shrine is not merely a tourist destination, but a place deeply rooted in the faith and lives of people since ancient times. The view of Lake Biwa through the torii in the lake calms the hearts of visitors and helps them forget the bustle of daily life. Standing here, one feels the flow of time slow down, and a natural sense of awe toward nature and the gods arises.
If you visit this place, be sure to stand by the lakeshore and quietly close your eyes. The sound of the waves, the chirping of birds, and the gentle breeze will seep deep into your heart, soothing the fatigue of daily life. Shirahige Shrine is a place that serves as such a spiritual refuge.