Santuari a Shiga

The head shrine of all Hiyoshi, Sanno, and Hie shrines. Located at the foot of Mt. Hiei, famous for its divine 'Masaru' monkeys that ward off evil.

Dedicated to Emperor Tenji, who introduced the first water clock to Japan. It is the holy land of Competitive Karuta (card game), popularized globally by the anime/manga 'Chihayafuru'.