Himure-Hachimangu Shrine

Himure Hachimangu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine believed to have been founded during the Heian period at the southern foot of Mount Hachiman. Long revered as a local guardian deity, it has also attracted the devotion of Hachiman merchants since medieval times, making it one of Shiga Prefecture’s most historically significant shrines. The shrine is closely tied to the origin of the city name Omihachiman and is a popular sightseeing destination. Its enshrined deities are Hondawake no Mikoto, Okinaga Tarashihime no Mikoto, and Himegami. Two major fire festivals are held annually: the nationally famous "Sagicho Festival" in March and the "Hachiman Festival" in April. The Sagicho Festival is said to date back to the Sengoku period and is even associated with Oda Nobunaga. In both rituals, flaming torches play a central role. During the Sagicho Festival, participants carrying torches parade through the town, symbolizing the arrival of spring in Omihachiman. The Hachiman Festival, where massive torches burn along the shores of Lake Biwa, creates a truly mystical spectacle that draws visitors from across Japan.