A–Z directory

弁財天

Japanese Name弁財天
PrefectureShiga
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityBenzaiten
Coordinates34.9009222, 135.7183130

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Located in the city of Omi, Shiga Prefecture, Bensei-ten Shrine is a historic Shinto temple dedicated to Benzaiten, the Shinto goddess of art, beauty, and wisdom. The shrine's architecture reflects its origins as a Buddhist temple, but it has since been adopted by the Shinto faith, reflecting Benzaiten's role as a patron deity of artisans and creatives.

Cultural Significance

Benzaiten is also revered as a kami of fertility and prosperity. The shrine celebrates her festival, Benzaiten Matsuri, typically in June, with traditional dances, music, and offerings to artisans and creatives.

Enshrined Deities

Benzaiten

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.

Quick Facts

  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the golden light of the rising or setting sun illuminates the tranquil grounds.

History

Founded in 645 CE during the Asuka period, Bensei-ten Shrine is one of Japan's oldest temples.

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

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.