Pay Respects at an Ancient Shrine Greeted by Sacred Deer Statues to Conclude Your Day
About this spot
An ancient shrine in Kusatsu, traditionally said to have been founded in 767 during the Nara period, revered as the deity of misfortune prevention, good fortune, and traffic safety. According to legend, the enshrined deity Takemikazuchi no Mikoto traveled by riding a white deer, so the shrine grounds feature sacred deer statues instead of the typical guardian lion-dogs. Saying "Look, there are deer!" while searching for the statues with your child makes shrine-visiting much more enjoyable. The grounds facing the former Tokaido route preserve old Edo-period stone markers, making it a perfect conclusion to a post-town history walk. Surrounded by greenery, the grounds feel serene despite being in town, offering seasonal beauty such as fresh green foliage in early summer and autumn leaves. It's a fitting place to hold hands with your child, give thanks for a safe journey, and reflect on the day.
Tips
About a 10-minute walk from de-ai Plaza along the former Tokaido route, and within walking distance from JR Kusatsu Station. Admission is free and the grounds are open for viewing. Finding the sacred deer statues along the approach is a fun activity for children. The evening approach path has soft dappled sunlight, perfect for concluding the day, though shrine office hours for selling amulets and stamps may be daytime only, so visit earlier if interested.
Best time to visit
Approximately 45 minutes. The late afternoon approach path with soft sunlight is ideal for concluding your day.
Access & map
〒525-0034 Shiga Prefecture, Kusatsu City, Kusatsu 4-1-1
Model course featuring this spot
Kusatsu: Mizu no Mori and Lake Biwa Museum
Shiga
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