1-1 Jingucho, Otsu, Shiga Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥1,000
Omi Jingu Shrine in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to Emperor Tenji, who established the ancient capital of Omi-Otsu. Known as the "shrine of clocks" due to Emperor Tenji's pioneering work with water clocks, it features a clock museum and hosts the annual Rokokkusai (water clock festival) on June 10th. It's also famous as a sacred site for competitive karuta (Japanese card game), linked to the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu poetry anthology. The shrine's architecture, called Omi-style, is a registered cultural property. Easily accessible from Omi Jingu-mae Station, it's a blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty.