Shinto shrine
Chikatsuo Jinja
近津尾神社（ちかつおじんじゃ）
Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture
A shrine set quietly in the hills of Kokubu, Ōtsu City, enshrining Homudawake no Mikoto, who is Emperor Ōjin, as its principal kami, together with Okinagatarashihime no Mikoto and Takeuchi no Sukune no Mikoto. On its grounds is the Genjūan, where Matsuo Bashō lived.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Enshrined kami: Homudawake no Mikoto (principal kami), Okinagatarashihime no Mikoto, Takeuchi no Sukune no Mikoto
History and things to know
According to the shrine's records, it was founded in Jōan 3 (1173) and was formerly called “近江尾之八幡宮.” In the early modern period it was revered by the Honda family, lords of the Zeze domain, and its shrine gate is said to have been donated by the Honda family when Zeze Castle was abolished in Meiji 3. In Genroku 3 (1690) Bashō lived in the Genjūan on the grounds for about four months.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
According to the official guide, a Shinto priest is usually not present. The Genjūan on the grounds has a caretaker, but it is closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 近津尾神社「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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