Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Hiyoshi Taisha (日吉大社), located at the western foothills of Mount Hiei in Ōtsu, is a grand and ancient shrine complex that serves as the head shrine of approximately 4,000 Hiyoshi, Hie, and Sannō shrines across Japan. Its origins trace back to Japan’s earliest written chronicle, the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) from the 8th century, establishing it as one of the country’s most historically significant Shinto sites. Once the largest shrine complex in Japan, Hiyoshi Taisha played a central role in the spiritual protection of Kyoto and was closely linked with nearby Enryaku-ji Temple on Mount Hiei. This close connection between Shinto and Buddhism reflected the syncretic religious practices of the time until 1571, when warlord Oda Nobunaga destroyed both the shrine and temple during his campaign against the Tendai Buddhist monks. It was later rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who recognized its cultural and spiritual importance.

By the late 19th century, Japan’s Meiji-era reforms enforced the official separation of Shinto and Buddhism (shinbutsu bunri), leading to major changes at Hiyoshi Taisha. Buddhist imagery was removed, and the shrine’s deity hierarchy was restructured, reflecting the government’s effort to define Shinto as the national religion. Today, visitors can stroll through the forested grounds and explore the shrine’s seven primary sanctuaries, many of which are designated Important Cultural Properties. Its distinctive architectural style—known as Hie-zukuri—features steep thatched roofs and intricate woodwork, unique to this region. Each spring, the vibrant Sannō Matsuri brings the site to life with ancient rituals, mikoshi processions, and theatrical performances, offering a vivid expression of the shrine’s enduring role in blending tradition, politics, and spiritual identity.