Shinto shrine
Shirahige Jinja
白鬚神社（しらひげじんじゃ）
Takashima, Shiga Prefecture
A shrine in Ukawa, Takashima City, on the western shore of Lake Biwa, said by tradition to be the oldest great shrine in Ōmi. Its enshrined kami, Sarutahiko no Mikoto, is known as a kami of guidance and of opening the way, and the shrine is also well loved for its great torii standing in the lake.
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: Sarutahiko no Mikoto
History and things to know
According to the shrine's records, Princess Yamatohime no Mikoto built its buildings (some say rebuilt them) in the 25th year of Emperor Suinin, and in Hakuhō 3 (675) it received the title "Hira Myōjin" by decree of Emperor Tenmu. Its origin story is also sung in the Noh chant "Shirahige" by Kan'ami, and about 300 branch shrines are said to be found across the country. The shrine's name comes from Sarutahiko no Mikoto in the form of an old man with white hair and a white beard.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
This is the shrine in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, regarded as the head shrine of the Shirahige shrines across Japan, and it is distinct from the various Shirahige (白鬚 / 白髭) shrines elsewhere.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 白鬚神社「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
This site is independent of the shrines, temples, and other websites mentioned. No partnership or endorsement is implied.