Database: Shirahige Shrine

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Shirahige is a Shinto shrine in Takashima, Ōmi Province. The origin of the shrine seems to date back to the 7th century. Shirahige is also known as "Omi no Itsukushima," or the "Itsukushima Shrine of Omi," because of its imposing vermillion-lacquered entrance gate (torii) that floats atop Lake Biwa. The shrine is dedicated to Sarutahiko Ōkami, the great leader of all Shinto kami and a symbol of both moral and physical strength. Sarutahiko Ōkami is depicted with a tengu-like face and a full white beard, called shirahige (white beard) in Japanese, which is the inspiration behind the name Shirahige Shrine.

Shirahige is believed to be the oldest shrine in Ōmi Province and is thought to have the power to bestow longevity. The shogun Ashikaga [sic] was said to visit the shrine frequently, and daimyō from across Japan also visited the shrine to worship. The main shrine building (honden) appears to have been built in the gongen-zukuri style, in which the honden and the haiden (prayer hall) are connected. However, the main shrine building was built in 1603, and the prayer hall was added later.

There are many shrines in Japan with this name, particularly in Koga district where the local Shirahige shrine was popular among Yamabushi (mountain ascetic hermits) for prayer, as well as a practice site for the region's shinobi. However, the Takashima location is the main site among all those that share its name.