Shirahige Shrine
A serene Shinto shrine on Lake Biwa, famous for its iconic torii gate seemingly floating on the water.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Shirahige Shrine
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Shinto shrine on Lake Biwa, famous for its iconic torii gate seemingly floating on the water.
"The iconic Shirahige Shrine torii gate on Lake Biwa offers breathtaking views, especially at sunset."
🚗 Car is King
Driving offers the most flexibility. Parking is available and free near the shrine .
🚲 Bike for Scenery
Rent a bike near Omi-Takashima station for a scenic ride to the shrine .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Floating Torii Gate
Lake Biwa
The iconic red torii gate seemingly floats on the tranquil waters of Lake Biwa, offering a picturesque and serene view.
Lake Biwa Views
Lakeshore
Enjoy the expansive beauty of Japan's largest lake, especially stunning during sunrise or sunset.
Shrine Altar
Main Shrine Complex
Visit the main shrine complex, which holds historical significance and offers a peaceful atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Floating Torii
Capturing the Iconic Shot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Car is King
Driving offers the most flexibility. Parking is available and free near the shrine.
🚲 Bike for Scenery
Rent a bike near Omi-Takashima station for a scenic ride to the shrine.
📸 Photo Platform
Use the raised platform for the best views of the torii gate, minding traffic.
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch the sunset over Lake Biwa for a truly magical experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Car is King
Driving offers the most flexibility. Parking is available and free near the shrine.
🚲 Bike for Scenery
Rent a bike near Omi-Takashima station for a scenic ride to the shrine.
📸 Photo Platform
Use the raised platform for the best views of the torii gate, minding traffic.
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch the sunset over Lake Biwa for a truly magical experience.
⏰ Train Schedules
Check train times carefully if using public transport, as they are infrequent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Shirahige Shrine for its stunning, iconic torii gate on Lake Biwa, offering beautiful photo opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset. The free parking and tranquil atmosphere are also highlights. However, some find the lack of pedestrian-friendly access and the busy road concerning, and train access can be inconvenient.
"This was a nice little pit stop along the way! There is a platform you can go up that gives you a good view for some nice pictures! I gave it 4 stars because some foreigner left a hot steamer in the women’s squatty potty and it looked like it had been there for a bit. My girls had 3 other squatty potties to pick from, but still."
Indigo Gregory
"When you reach there, you must be wondering how on earth they take photos like that? With the heavy traffic, it is unlikely you will be able to cross over just for a photo. So actually, there is a stage for you to climb up and take photos at an angle just beside the main temple.
Currently, the main temple is under renovation, but you still could ring their bell and make a wish if you want to as they left an opening for it.
There is an open carpark just beside the temple. (Free)"
Poh Guan Yeo (Ah Baoooo)
"Parking available on site. You can walk up to visit the altars. There is a raised platform beside the road where you can go up to take a good photo of the shrine in the lake. Unfortunately, the weather was cloudy and thus we couldn’t capture a good shot of the sunset. The traffic towards Kyoto was very bad in the evening due to road works. It was a good one hour to overcome the stretch of about 8km or so."
Michael
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way is by car, with free parking available. If using public transport, take the JR Kosei Line from Kyoto Station to Omi-Takashima Station. From there, it's a 2.7km walk or you can rent a bicycle.
By car, it can take around 1 hour, depending on traffic.
While there are buses in the area, they are infrequent and may not be the most direct route. Renting a bicycle or driving is generally recommended for easier access.
Yes, it's possible to reach Shirahige Shrine from Osaka in about an hour by train without changing lines from Osaka Station.
It can be challenging. The walk from the nearest station is considerable, and train frequencies are low. Renting a bicycle is a good alternative if you prefer not to drive.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Shirahige Shrine and its grounds is generally free. There is no admission fee to visit the shrine itself.
The shrine is typically open year-round, with no strict closing hours for the outdoor areas. However, the main shrine buildings may have specific visiting times. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the best experience.
There is no separate fee for viewing or photographing the torii gate. It is part of the shrine's natural setting on Lake Biwa and accessible to all visitors.
Even if parts of the main temple are under renovation, visitors can usually still ring the bell and make wishes through designated openings.
Visiting during sunrise or sunset offers the most dramatic lighting for photography.
📸 📸 Photography
The best vantage point is from a raised platform located beside the road near the shrine. This allows you to capture the torii gate without needing to cross the busy street.
Be extremely cautious. The road experiences heavy traffic, and there are no designated crosswalks to get closer to the water. Always prioritize safety and use the designated photo platform.
Sunrise and sunset provide the most beautiful light, casting a warm glow on the shrine and the lake.
Yes, paddleboarding is a popular activity here, and it offers a unique perspective for photos, allowing you to get closer to the torii gate.
Generally, photography is allowed and encouraged. However, always be respectful of the shrine's sacred nature and avoid intrusive behavior.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main attraction is the picturesque floating torii gate on Lake Biwa. You can also explore the shrine grounds, enjoy the lake views, and participate in activities like paddleboarding.
It can be a nice stop, but supervision is crucial due to the proximity of the busy road and the lake. The photo opportunities are great for families.
Yes, the waters of Lake Biwa are accessible for swimming and paddleboarding, especially near the shrine's location.
There are restrooms available, though one reviewer noted an issue with cleanliness in the women's squatty potty. There is also an open, free carpark beside the temple.
Access to the shrine grounds is generally flat, but the photo platform might involve stairs. The surrounding area is not very pedestrian-friendly due to traffic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, parents must exercise extreme caution due to the busy road adjacent to the shrine, which lacks pedestrian crossings.📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Utilize the designated photo platform for the classic shot, but also consider the unique perspectives offered by paddleboarding on the lake.+1 Be prepared for potential crowds, especially during popular times, and always be mindful of traffic safety.🚶 Solo Travelers & Budget Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Getting to Shirahige Shrine: A Traveler's Guide
Many visitors opt to rent bicycles near the station, which offers a more enjoyable and flexible way to reach the shrine while taking in the countryside scenery.For those who prefer the convenience of a car, Shirahige Shrine is easily accessible. There is an open carpark located right beside the temple, and it's typically free to use.
Capturing the Perfect Shot: Photography Tips for Shirahige Shrine
Timing is key for the most breathtaking photos. Visiting during sunrise or sunset offers the most dramatic lighting, with the golden hues of the sky reflecting beautifully on the lake and the shrine.
Many visitors also enjoy paddleboarding on Lake Biwa, which provides a unique perspective and allows for closer shots of the torii gate.+1 If the weather is clear, you might even catch a stunning sunset painting the sky behind the shrine.The History and Significance of Shirahige Shrine
It is dedicated to Sarutahiko-no-Okami, a kami (deity) associated with guidance, land, and prosperity. The shrine is believed to bestow blessings for longevity, good fortune, marriage, and safe passage, particularly for sailors and those involved in maritime activities.The shrine's unique location on Lake Biwa, with its torii gate emerging from the water, has earned it the nickname 'Itsukushima of Omi'.
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