Shrine · Sakamoto (Otsu)

Hiyoshi Taisha 日吉大社

Head of some 2,000 Hie/Hiyoshi shrines nationwide, at the foot of Mount Hiei in Sakamoto, with National Treasure halls and famous autumn maples.

Hours9:00-16:00 (gates open from 6:00/7:00 seasonally)

PriceAdult: ¥500

Getting thereKeihan Sakamoto-hieizanguchi Station, 8 min walk

Time needed1-2 hours

Best timeMid to late November (autumn leaves); April 12-15 (Sanno Festival)

Address5-1-1 Sakamoto, Otsu, Shiga

Websitehiyoshitaisha.jp

About

Hiyoshi Taisha was the guardian shrine of Enryakuji and is dedicated to the mountain gods of Hiei, whose messengers are monkeys. The forested precinct holds two National Treasure main halls in the unique hiyoshi-zukuri style and an unusual Sanno torii. About 3,000 maples make it one of the region's top autumn colour spots.

Highlights

East and West main halls (National Treasures)
Sanno torii with a triangular top
Monkey messenger 'masaru'
About 3,000 maples in autumn

Tips

An entrance donation of 500 yen applies to the inner grounds
Parking is 1,000 yen in November
Combine with Sakamoto's stone-walled monk residences and the Sakamoto Cable to Enryakuji

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11

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Hiyoshi Taisha 日吉大社

About

Highlights

Tips

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