A–Z directory

本殿

Japanese Name本殿
PrefectureShiga
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityKusanagi-no-kami
Coordinates34.9050696, 135.7179056

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in the city of Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, the Hon-den Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to the god of learning and literature, Kusanagi-no-kami. The shrine's architecture reflects its Edo-period construction, with a rectangular main hall surrounded by a wooden fence and ornate gates. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which feature several small shrines and temples, including the famous 'Gohyaku Shinnen' (Five Hundred Arhats), a collection of Buddhist and Shinto deities.

Cultural Significance

In Japanese folklore, Kusanagi-no-kami is often associated with the legendary sword Kusanagi, said to be one of the three sacred swords of the gods. This legend has contributed to the shrine's connection to learning and literature.

Enshrined Deities

Kusanagi-no-kami

Location

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Spot an error?

This shrine data is sourced from OpenStreetMap. You can submit a correction or edit it on OpenStreetMap.

Shrine data © OpenStreetMap contributors, under the Open Database License.

Browse shrines by prefecture

Jump to Shinto shrines across Japan — 108 prefectures in our directory.

Quick Facts

  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

For visitors seeking insight into traditional Shinto rituals, consider attending one of the shrine's daily purification ceremonies, which involve chanting and offerings to the kami.

History

The Hon-den Shrine was rebuilt in 1658 during the Edo period.

A-Z Creatures
Learn Japanese

Japanese Culture Network

Japanese Wood Joints

Ancient joinery techniques of Japanese master craftsmen

ShrinePuzzle

Directory of Japanese board games and traditional games

Kohibou

Japanese coffee culture — kissaten, third wave and brewing guides

E2Japan

Explore Japan's landmarks, shrines and hidden locations

The 725 Club

SNES and Super Famicom collection tracker

Spaceship Adventures

Hoshi no Isan — a Japanese-aesthetic space RPG in development

Japan In Pixels

A pixel art map of Japanese culture — coming 2027

CSSKitsune

Japanese-aesthetic design tokens & AI-ready UI prompts

Shinto Wisdom app icon
Free App · No Ads · Offline

Shinto Wisdom Daily Practice

by 10k Game Studio

Every day, one teaching. One moment of stillness.
Kanji, meaning, and a quiet reflection — rooted in the philosophy behind Japan's forests, seasons, and sacred silences.

結び Musubi 清め Harae 自然 Shizen 間 Ma 誠 Makoto + 45 more
Get it on Google Play

Explore 297+ yōkai, oni, kami, and spirits — plus one of the largest English-language Shinto shrine directories on the web.

Explore
Popular Yokai
Popular Shrines

Content Warning: This website explores Japanese folklore and mythological beings—including yokai, oni, and other supernatural entities—that may be frightening to younger audiences or sensitive viewers. All material is presented for educational and cultural appreciation only. Viewer discretion is advised.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to preview content before sharing it with children. By continuing to use JapaneseMythicalCreatures.com, you acknowledge and accept this advisory.

Copyright © 2026 Japanese Mythical Creatures • All Rights Reserved.