Tenno Shrine

Overview

Tenno Shrine is a historic shrine located in Wani-naka, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture. It's considered one of the two sites of the Onono-jinja Shrine, listed in the Engishiki (ancient list of shrines), and a Myōjin Taisha (important shrine). The enshrined deity is Susanoo-no-Mikoto. While its founding is unknown, it's believed to have begun in 966 AD during the reign of Emperor Murakami, when the Gokoku-tennō (Ox-Head Heavenly King) of Yasaka Shrine was enshrined here, adopting the name "Wani Gokoku Tenno-sha". The main hall, built in 1324 AD (during the Shōchū era of the Kamakura period), is exceptionally rare. Its gabled style (kiridzumari-zukuri) with an extended eave in front is only found in three other shrines in the immediate vicinity: Onō Shrine and Onō Dōfū Shrine. This unique architectural style led to its designation as a National Important Cultural Property in 1907. The shrine grounds also house several other shrines, including Jukashin-sha, Sanno-sha, and Wakamiya-sha, dedicated to the tutelary deities of villages that formed the Wani-shō estate during the Edo period. Tenno Shrine also hosts the "Wani Matsuri" festival on the second Sunday of May each year. This festival, involving participants from Wani-naka and the surrounding areas of Minamihama, Nakahama, Kitahama, Imasuku, and Takashiro, showcases the region's traditional culture. Tenno Shrine is a place where you can feel the weight of history and tradition, with its serene atmosphere and dignified presence. We highly recommend a visit.