Last Updated: Jun 20, 2023

Shiga’s Shirahige Shrine

Where to Pray for Longevity

“What the hell am I doing!” I quietly bemoaned to myself as I checked Google Maps for the umpteenth time to make sure I was on the correct course. It was late April and I traveling the upper rural west side of Shiga Prefecture’s crowning jewel, Lake Biwa. A cool gust of wind swept across the massive body of water which helped to evaporate some of the sweat that had been accumulating on my brow. While it had only been a matter of minutes since I had departed from the sleepy train station, I was already surrounded by the iconic trappings of the Japanese countryside. To my right, there was a handful of bucolic rice fields that were nestled up against the mountains. To my left, there was nothing but the endless expanse of Lake Biwa. With a reassuring sigh, I adjusted my backpack. Only fifteen more minutes until my destination…

OK, so you must be wondering what in the nine hells brought me to such an off the beaten path location? Well, the short answer here is that I was scoping out a hidden gem that goes by the peculiar moniker of Shirahige Shrine. One of this little known spot’s most alluring draws is that the complex boasts a majestic torii gate that sits only a few meters away from the shores of Lake Biwa. Much like Miyajima’s iconic archway, this torii seems to…