Located at the foot of Mount Hieizan in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, Hiyoshi Taisha is one of Japan’s most important Shinto shrines and the head shrine of more than 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie and Sanno shrines across the country. With a history stretching back more than 2,000 years, the shrine is closely connected to Mount Hieizan and has long been regarded as a sacred place where the kami of the mountain reside.
The shrine became particularly important during the Heian Period following the establishment of Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hieizan. Hiyoshi Taisha became closely associated with the Tendai Buddhist tradition and served as a protective shrine for Enryaku-ji and the capital of Kyoto. This unique relationship between Shinto and Buddhism continued for centuries until the separation of the two religions during the Meiji Period.
The shrine is divided into two main areas, the Eastern and Western Precincts, which contain several important buildings surrounded by dense forest and ancient trees. Among its highlights are the East and West Main Halls, both designated as National Treasures and notable examples of the distinctive Sanno-zukuri style of shrine architecture. Hiyoshi Taisha is also famous for its connection to the monkey, which is traditionally regarded as a sacred messenger of the shrine.
Our tour of the Sacred Peaks of Mt. Hieizan, which includes a visit to Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine and Enryakuji Temple, is available to be booked now. Explore these sacred sites with a knowledgeable guide and discover the fascinating history and spiritual traditions of Mount Hieizan.
Hiyoshi Taisha is located in Sakamoto, at the eastern foot of Mount Hieizan, making it particularly convenient to visit alongside the historic temple town and Enryaku-ji. The shrine can be reached from Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station on the JR Kosei Line or Sakamoto Station on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line, with the shrine approximately 10 minutes on foot from either station. Visitors can also use the Sakamoto Cable Car to travel up Mount Hieizan toward Enryaku-ji, making it possible to combine the shrine with a visit to the mountain's famous temple complex.
