Shiga Gokoku Shrine (滋賀縣護國神社) is a shrine dedicated to the spirits of the war dead from Shiga Prefecture. It is located at 1-59 Osuecho in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan.
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| Shiga Gokoku Shrine |
Shiga Gokoku Shrine Details
In April 1875, following an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the former lord of the Hikone domain, Ii Naonori, initiated the construction of a shrine at its current location in Osue, Hikone-cho, to honor those who had died. By May 1876, the first stage of construction was completed, and in July, the shrine, officially named Hikone Shokonsha, was established. It was dedicated to enshrining the spirits of 26 deities, including Aoki Sadabei Yorizane, who had fallen during the Boshin War.
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| Shiga Gokoku Shrine - Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture |
On April 1, 1939, the shrine was officially designated by the Minister of the Interior and renamed Shiga Prefecture Gokoku Shrine. This marked the beginning of significant construction work to enhance the shrine building and expand its grounds, which was completed in 1943. However, after Japan's defeat in World War II, the occupying forces intervened, resulting in the shrine being renamed Sazanamijinja in March 1947. By October 1953, the shrine reclaimed its original name, Shiga Gokoku Shrine.
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| Shiga Gokoku Shrine's Torii gate |
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| Monument to fallen warhorses and military dogs and pigeons |
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| Takukonhi |
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| Father's Statue |
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| Mother's Statue |
March 1956 saw the formation of a support association for the shrine, which undertook the restoration of the shrine buildings, including replacing the main hall's roof and improving the grounds with expanded wings for the worship hall. In April 1957, as the Hikone Civic Hall was constructed, the shrine office, shrine hall, and other facilities were relocated to their current site. During this period, the Hikone City Ii Family Noh Stage, which had been moved to the shrine grounds in 1950, was transferred to the shrine office for further preservation and has since been relocated to the Hikone Castle Museum.
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| Shiga Gokoku Shrine's chozuya |
The 100th anniversary of the shrine's founding was celebrated with a grand ceremony in April 1976, during which the roofs of all shrine buildings, except the main hall, were replaced with copper sheets. The first Mitama Festival was held in August 1977. In 1978, a permanent membership system was established, which remains in place today.
Shiga Gokoku Shrine Haiden
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| The Shiga Gokoku Shrine's Haiden |
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| Some of the ema or prayer boards displayed on the Haiden |
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| It was the year of the Rabbit when we visited |
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| Inside Shiga Gokoku Shrine |
In 1985, leveraging the construction of the Hikone Castle Museum and the relocation of the Noh Stage, a 110th-anniversary commemorative project was completed, including the replacement of the main hall's copper roof and the addition of a new assembly hall. The relocation ceremony for the main hall was held in December of the same year. A grand festival to mark the 110th anniversary and the completion of construction was held in April 1986.
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| Shiga Gokoku Shrine komainu |
By 1989, to preserve the landscape around Hikone Castle, work commenced on constructing an earthen wall behind the main hall. In 1991, the Imperial Enthronement Memorial Corridor was built, along with extensions to the reception and gift shop, to address concerns about accessibility in adverse weather conditions.
April 1995 marked a grand ceremony to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the end of the war. The Worship and Support Association was founded in July 2005, and in October of the same year, a special grand festival was held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the war, coinciding with the autumn festival. The Shiga Prefectural Memorial Hall for the Heroes opened in October 2016, further enriching the shrine's historical and cultural significance.
Team Nicerio visits Shiga Gokoku Shrine
My family and I visited Shiga Gokoku Shrine for the first time last January 10, 2023. It was my 435th day here in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. During our visit, we did our family tradition of offering prayers and making a wish. We do this for all the religious places that we visit regardless of what religion. Aside from that, I also got the shrine’s goshuin for my goshuin collection.
Shiga Gokoku Shrine Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter and explore the grounds of Shiga Gokoku Shrine. However, if you plan to avail of the goshuin or omamori, make sure to bring cash.
Shiga Gokoku Shrine Operating Hours
The grounds of Shiga Gokoku Shrine are open 24/7. However, the shrine office is open from 9:30 AM to 5 PM only.
Why visit Shiga Gokoku Shrine?
Shiga Gokoku Shrine, located in Hikone, is a must-visit destination for its rich historical significance, stunning architecture, and serene surroundings. Established in 1876 to honor those who died in significant battles, the shrine reflects Japan’s evolving history through its architectural beauty, including the elegantly restored main hall and the Imperial Enthronement Memorial Corridor. The shrine’s tranquil grounds, set against the backdrop of Hikone Castle, offer a peaceful retreat, while its cultural festivals, such as the Mitama Festival, provide vibrant insights into Japanese traditions.
Getting to Shiga Gokoku Shrine
To reach Shiga Gokoku Shrine, disembark at the west side of Hikone Station on the JR West Biwako Line, then take a 10-minute walk towards Hikone Castle. It’s easy to see as it is at the far end of Ekimae Oshiro-dori Street.
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That's a beautiful goshuin. I will surely include that to my collection.
ReplyDeletePlease do! Enyoy your trip to Shiga Gokoku Shrine.
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