Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine was founded about 2,100 years ago at the foot of Mt. Hiei and is the head shrine of more than 3,800 “Sanno-san” shrines nationwide. The nearest station is Sakamoto Station on the Keihan Ishiyama-Sakamoto Line, about a 5-minute walk away (or about 10 minutes on foot from JR Hieizan-Sakamoto Station on the Kosei Line). The shrine appears in the Kojiki, and when the capital was moved to Heian-kyo, this area was seen as the front-and-back gate of the capital, so Hiyoshi Taisha became a place to pray for protection against evil and misfortune. Many visitors come seeking benefits such as direction protection (hoyo) and warding off bad luck. Charms and items related to the “Sacred Monkey” (masaru) are especially popular—monkeys are regarded as the gods’ messengers, and because they lived in abundance on Mt. Hiei, they came to symbolize “evil departing” and “surpassing,” making them auspicious. There is also a monkey enclosure (shinen-sha) where you can see them up close. The main halls of both the West and East Main Shrines are National Treasures, and most of the shrine’s buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties. The Sanno Festival held every spring is one of the three major festivals of the Lake Country (Kokoku), drawing many visitors. In autumn, it is also known as a famous spot for fall colors.