Hiyoshi Taisha is the head shrine of about 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie and Sanno shrines nationwide, occupying some 468,000 square metres of wooded ground at the foot of Mount Hiei in Sakamoto, Otsu. The precinct is split between a western and an eastern main shrine linked by stone bridges over the Omiya River, and holds two National Treasure halls and seventeen Important Cultural Properties. Monkeys are treated as the shrine's messengers and appear throughout its carvings and charms. Its maples are among Shiga's best-known autumn sights.

Crowd level

Moderate

Opening hours

Daily 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Usual hours — confirm with the official site for holidays + seasonal closures.

Admission

Adult grounds contribution; ¥300 for junior and senior high school students, free for elementary age and under. The outer gates of the east and west main shrines open at 6:00 AM from April to September and 7:00 AM from October to March.

Nearest station

Sakamoto-Hieizanguchi Station

Website

hiyoshitaisha.jp

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