QUINTESSENTIAL TORII GATE IN THE WATER OF LAKE BIWA

A PHOTOGRAPHER'S DREAM Shirahige shrine offers that quintessential "Japan" view that looks good from every angle. There are a couple of torii on the water in Japan, but this one probably the most easily accessible and least crowded.

General Info: Shirahige Shrine [or Shirahige-jinja] is a serene Shinto shrine located in Takashima City, near the beautiful Lake Biwa, Shiga Prefecture. The main highlight of the shrine is its majestic floating torii gate, thus making it a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore this sacred space and enjoy its picturesque landscapes by walking for around 40 minutes along the shores of Lake Biwa or taking a car/ taxi there from the Omi-Takashima JR station. They should also make sure to take a detour above the road to visit Ukawa Shijuhattai Sekibutsugun Cemetery which has 48 Buddha stone statues. In addition to enjoying the torii floating on the lake, the pilgrimage also gives one a chance to pray for luck, happiness, love, childbirth, and even road safety!