Shrine · Otsu
Omi Jingu 近江神宮
1940 shrine in Otsu to Emperor Tenji, home of competitive karuta: the national Meijin and Queen championships are held here each January.
PriceFree
Getting thereKeihan Omi-Jingumae Station, 8 min walk
Time needed30-60 min
Best timeEarly January (karuta)
Address1-1 Jingucho, Otsu, Shiga
About
Omi Jingu stands on the presumed site of the Omi-Otsu palace that Emperor Tenji founded in 667. Because Tenji wrote the first poem of the Hyakunin Isshu, the shrine hosts the karuta championships and appears in the manga Chihayafuru. Its grounds also have a clock museum honouring Tenji's water clock.
Highlights
- Competitive karuta championships (January)
- Bright vermilion romon gate
- Clock museum
- Chihayafuru connection
Tips
- 8 min walk from Keihan Omi-Jingumae Station
- Karuta opening ceremony in early January
- Free to enter
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11
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