Omi Jingu

Shrine

Prefecture

Shiga

Type

Shrine

N/A

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Train Access

About This Destination

A Shinto shrine in Otsu dedicated to Emperor Tenji, widely known as a centre of competitive karuta.

Omi Jingu is a Shinto shrine in Otsu dedicated to Emperor Tenji, who moved the capital to Otsu in the 7th century. It was founded in 1940 and stands on wooded ground below the Hiei mountains. The shrine is closely associated with competitive karuta, the card game featured in the story Chihayafuru, and it hosts national karuta tournaments and a New Year ceremony. Emperor Tenji is also linked to timekeeping in Japan, and the grounds include monuments and a clock collection reflecting this. Poem monuments for figures such as Kakinomoto no Hitomaro and Matsuo Basho stand within the precincts. The shrine grounds are open to visitors and admission is free.

Location

Prefecture: Shiga

Address: Otsu, Shiga, Japan

Nearest Station: Omi-jingu-mae Station

Best time to visit: Year-round; the New Year karuta ceremony in January is a well-known event

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Omi Jingu?

It is about a 9-minute walk from Keihan Omi-jingu-mae Station; from JR Otsukyo Station you can transfer to the nearby Keihan line.

Why is Omi Jingu connected to karuta?

The shrine enshrines Emperor Tenji, whose poem opens the Hyakunin Isshu anthology used in karuta, and it hosts national competitive karuta tournaments.