The Sanju Shrine stands on a small hill overlooking the town of Hikone. This shrine, built by Mr. Naomasa Ii, the lord of Hikone, in 1623 at the beginning of the Edo period, is the guardian deity of Hikone Castle. The majestic Sanju Shrine, carved out of a giant rock, gives visitors a sense of the weight of time.
The Ii family has deeply believed in the Sanju Gongen for generations. Sanju is known as the god of enduring military fortune and has been regarded as the protector of samurai. Mr. Naomasa Ii established the Sanju Shrine to pray for the peace of Hikone fief, and successive lords continued to pray for the protection of Sanju Gongen.
The stone-built, sacred Sanju Shrine presents an elegant landscape throughout the seasons. Spring's verdant greenery, summer's shaded greenery, autumn's foliage, and winter's snowy scenery. In each season, the Sanju Shrine has its own charm, captivating visitors.
Strolling through the tranquil grounds of the Sanju Shrine, you will immerse yourself in the weight of history and the faith of our predecessors. How about spending a slow and quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the city in this place? The story told by the Sanju Shrine may give us a new insight into living in the present.