Hiyoshi taisya

Hiyoshi Taisha, the head shrine of all Hiyoshi shrines in Japan, is located in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. Situated east of Mt. Hiei's Enryaku-ji Temple, its grounds cover 110,000 tsubo (approximately 36 hectares). Though the entrance features a large red torii gate, the shrine area extends all the way to the prominent Mt. Hachioji in the background. The mountain summit houses Ushio-gu Shrine dedicated to the wild spirit of Oyamakuino-kami, and Sannomiya Shrine for the wild spirit of Kamo Tamayorihime-no-mikoto.

Within the shrine grounds, the main shrines are situated to the east and west, connected by 21 smaller shrines. These are collectively referred to as the Seven Hiyoshi Shrines (Sanno Shichisha), comprising the Upper, Middle, and Lower Seven Shrines. Historically, there were 108 shrines inside and 108 shrines outside the grounds, extending into the Sakamoto area at the base of the mountain.

At the entrance, there is a Myojin torii gate, followed by a stone bridge and a Sanno torii gate with a triangular gable on top. This style is typical of Hiyoshi Taisha and other Hie Shrines, symbolizing the teachings of Sanno faith.

Entry to the shrine costs 300 yen for adults. To reach the West Main Shrine, you cross Omiyabashi Bridge, a designated Important Cultural Property donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Climbing the slope, you pass through the Sanno torii gate. To the right is the Soja Shrine, and to the left is the shrine office. The main shrine features a Romon gate, a two-story gate with white walls and red structure, built in 1595 and designated an Important Cultural Property. The gate's elaborate carvings and vibrant colors are notable.

Passing through the Romon gate, you reach the worship hall and main hall surrounded by a fence. The worship hall is an Important Cultural Property, while the main hall is a National Treasure. The main hall is built in the unique Hiyoshi-zukuri architectural style, also known as Seitei-zukuri, characterized by its three-sided eaves and elaborate carvings.

The East Main Shrine Romon gate, similar in design and color to the West Main Shrine's gate, is also an Important Cultural Property, surrounded by a fence that encloses the shrine buildings.

Compared to the West Main Shrine, the East Main Shrine has more buildings, with 13 structures in total. The main hall enshrines the deities, while additional buildings house related deities and a portable shrine storage. Notably, the shrine also features trees with historical significance, such as the tarayou tree, associated with the origin of letters and romantic legends.

Hiyoshi Taisha, with its rich history and connection to nearby Mt. Hiei, offers a profound sense of faith and community-centered around the shrine. Although many buildings from the Muromachi period show signs of wear, the unique Hiyoshi-zukuri architecture and the various shrines, along with the flowing river nearby, create a serene and contemplative atmosphere for visitors.

Portable shrines (mikoshi) seen in festivals nationwide have their origins in the Sanno mikoshi. Hiyoshi Taisha houses mikoshi donated by the emperor in the Heian period. The current mikoshi, crafted in the Momoyama period, are designated Important Cultural Properties. Hiyoshi Taisha currently holds 14 mikoshi.