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Omi Jingu: A Shrine Dedicated to Emperor Tenji
Discover Omi Jingu in Otsu: A vibrant shrine honoring Emperor Tenji, famed for its architecture, clock museum, and connection to the Karuta card game.
Omi Jingu Shrine in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, is dedicated to Emperor Tenji and was built in 1940 to commemorate 2600 years since the first emperor's reign. Known for its striking vermilion buildings and connection to the card game Karuta, it offers a serene and culturally rich experience.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Omi Jingu
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday
9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday
9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday
9 am-4:30 pm
Friday
9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday
9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday
9 am-4:30 pm
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Getting There
Public Transport
From Kyoto Station, take the JR Kosei Line to JR Otsukyo Station (2 stops, 11 minutes, ¥200-240). From there, it's a 20-minute walk to Omi Jingu. Alternatively, transfer to the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line at Ojiyama Station and ride one stop to Omi Jingu-mae Station, followed by a 10-minute walk to the shrine. Another option from Kyoto city center is to take the Tozai Subway Line from Sanjo Keihan Station to Keihan Hamaotsu Station (23 minutes, ¥430), then transfer to the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line to Omi Jingu-mae Station.
Walking
From Keihan Omi Jingu-mae Station, it is approximately a 10-minute walk to Omi Jingu. Exit the station and follow the signs towards the shrine. The path leads through a residential area and then into a wooded area as you approach the shrine grounds.
Car
From the Meishin Expressway, take the Kyoto-Higashi Interchange and drive for 10 minutes to Omi Jingu. Parking is available at the shrine, with fees of ¥500 during peak seasons (e.g., New Year).
Local tips
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Visit the Omi Jingu Clock Museum to see a collection of historical timepieces and learn about Emperor Tenji's role in establishing Japan's first water clock.
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If visiting in January or July, witness the All-Japan Karuta championships and experience the cultural significance of this traditional card game.
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Explore the shrine grounds to see the vermilion buildings, torii gates, and monuments inscribed with poems by famous Japanese poets.
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Consider renting a kimono for a unique cultural experience and photo opportunity within the shrine grounds.
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Check the schedule for the traditional horseback archery performance held annually on the first Sunday in June.
Discover more about Omi Jingu
Omi Jingu, located in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine constructed in 1940 to honor Emperor Tenji. Emperor Tenji is known for moving the capital to Otsu in 667 and for his contributions to establishing Japan's first water clock system. The shrine's construction was part of a movement to celebrate Japan's imperial past.
The shrine's architecture exemplifies Showa-period shrine design, featuring brightly painted vermilion buildings and torii gates. The grounds include the Ichi-no-Torii (First Gate), Ni-no-Torii (Second Gate), and the Romon, the main entrance gate. The Omi Jingu Clock Museum houses a collection of clocks, watches, and historical timepieces.
Omi Jingu is also famous for its connection to Karuta, a traditional Japanese card game. The annual All-Japan Karuta championships are held here, and the shrine is considered a sacred place for Karuta enthusiasts. Traditional horseback archery is performed annually on the first Sunday in June. Visitors can rent kimono and hakama based on the Chihayafuru manga series.
A brief summary to Omi Jingu
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