Tatebe Taisha Shrine

Overview

Tatebe Taisha Shrine, located in Jinryo, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, is a historically significant shrine revered as the head shrine (Ichinomiya) of Omi Province. Tradition holds that it was founded when Empress Futaoshihime, along with her son, Takebe Inayo Wakonomikoto, enshrined Emperor Yamatotakeru at Chikusadake in Tatebe Village, Kanzaki County (near present-day Minomakuyama in Gotosho Inobetacho, Higashi-Omi City). Later, it was relocated to its current location as the guardian deity of Omi Province. The shrine is listed in the Engishiki (an ancient Japanese document) of the mid-Heian period as "Tatebe Jinja, Meishin Taisha," signifying its status as a Meishin Taisha (a particularly important shrine). Minamoto no Yoritomo, after his defeat in the Heiji Rebellion and exile to Izu Province, is said to have visited the shrine and prayed for the restoration of the Minamoto clan. This led to its renown as a deity associated with success and good fortune. In 1871 (Meiji 4), under the modern shrine ranking system, it was ranked as a Ken-sha (Prefectural Shrine) under the name "Tatebe Jinja." It was later promoted to Kanpei Chusha (Middle-Ranked Imperial Shrine) in 1885 (Meiji 18) and Kanpei Taisha (Top-Ranked Imperial Shrine) in 1900 (Meiji 33). After the war, in 1948 (Showa 23), it was added to the list of Betsu-byo Jinja (specially designated shrines) by the Jinja Honcho (Association of Shinto Shrines), and its name was changed to "Tatebe Taisha." The grounds feature many highlights, including a stone lantern from 1270 (Bun'ei 7) in the Kamakura period (an Important Cultural Property), and "Minamoto no Yoritomo's Spring of Success," named after Yoritomo's visit during his exile, where he prayed for the restoration of his clan. Tatebe Taisha Shrine offers a profound experience of history and culture, and is a must-see destination for any visitor to Shiga Prefecture.