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Shirahige Shrine 白鬚神社

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027 · 1 post since 2013

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Visiting Shirahige Shrine today

  • What it is: An old shrine on the west shore of Lake Biwa, known for its vermilion torii standing in the water just offshore.
  • Getting there: JR Omi-Takashima Station (Kosei Line) is about 40 minutes' walk or 5 minutes by taxi. By car, about 50 minutes from Kyoto-Higashi IC via Route 161; parking for about 30 cars.
  • Hours: Grounds open year-round; shrine office 9:00-17:00.
  • Admission: Free.
  • Tip: Do not cross busy Route 161 to reach the shore. Since 2023 a barrier and signs block the old crossing; view and photograph the lake torii from the observation deck in the shrine grounds.
Best timeGood any time of year

Checked against: Route 161 safety measures in front of Shirahige Shrine (MLIT Shiga, PDF) · Shirahige Shrine (Rurubu). Check opening times and prices before you go.

Shirahige Shrine on Shibuya246

Photos and stories from our visits, as they were written at the time.

Culture

Shirahige Jinja

Cycling around Lake Biwa over Golden Week, I got to see some great countryside. This was one of the standout views. Shirahige Jinja with its Torii Gate in…