Uga jinja

The Ugajin Shrine is located on Biwa Island (Benten Island) in Lake Nojiri, the second largest lake in Nagano Prefecture.
Lake Nojiri, also known as Lake Fuyo, straddles the border between Nagano and Niigata Prefectures.
Biwa Island, named for its resemblance to a biwa (Japanese lute), is located on the northwest side of the lake.
During the Sengoku period, the island was revered by Uesugi Kenshin and governed by the Usami clan.
In 1564, Usami Sadayuki invited Naoe Kanetsugu to a boat trip on the lake, where they both drowned, a story that remains to this day.

To visit Ugajin Shrine, one must cross to Biwa Island.
Lake Nojiri is a popular tourist destination with various ways to cross, including sightseeing boats and rowboats.
There is a large red torii gate in front of the shrine, where visitors can dock their boats.

Upon passing through the torii gate, a forested area covers the entire island, and stone steps lead the way.
Climbing the stone steps and walking along the path, visitors will see the Konpira Shrine on the left and lanterns on both sides.
After about 100 meters, the worship hall comes into view.

The main hall is stored within a protective structure and cannot be seen from the outside.
The architectural style is the common Ichimonsha nagare-zukuri, built in the early Edo period.
Inside the building to the left of the worship hall is a mikoshi (portable shrine) with intricate carvings, adding to the serene and calm atmosphere.