日吉大社

Hiyoshi Taisha spreads across the wooded foothills of Mount Hiei at Sakamoto and is the head of the nationwide network of Hie, Hiyoshi and Sanno shrines. Because it stands to the northeast of the old capital, the unlucky 'demon gate' direction, it was long worshipped for protection against misfortune, and its guardian monkey, the masaru, appears throughout the grounds. The precinct holds two national-treasure main halls built in a distinctive Hie-zukuri style, along with the red Sanno torii and an arched bridge attributed to the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In autumn some 3,000 maples turn the valley crimson, making it one of the best foliage sites in Shiga.