Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on August 8, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (1)
How do I get there by train?
The most convenient route is about 9 minutes' walk from Omi-Jingu-mae Station on the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line. From Otsukyo Station on the JR Kosei Line it is about 3 minutes by taxi.
Opening hours (1)
What are the visiting hours at Omi Jingu?
Worship is 6:00-18:00. Amulets and goshuin are issued 9:00-16:30, and prayers are received 9:30-16:00. The Clock Museum and Treasure Hall is open 9:30-16:30 (admission until 16:00).
Goshuin stamps (1)
Can I get a goshuin stamp?
Goshuin are issued at the amulet office in the grounds, from 9:00 to 16:30.
Time needed (1)
How long should I allow?
About 10 minutes from the car park for worship alone, plus 5-10 minutes to look at the water clock and sundials. Including the Clock Museum and Treasure Hall, allow 1 to 1.5 hours in total, or 1-2 hours if you also explore the karuta-related areas.
Prices (1)
Is there a charge to visit?
Visiting the grounds is free. The Clock Museum and Treasure Hall requires a separate admission fee of 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students.
History / Culture (1)
Why is it called the shrine of time?
Because the enshrined Emperor Tenji installed Japan's first water clock and established a system of timekeeping. The grounds contain a water clock and sundials, and the Rokoku Festival is held on 10 June, Time Day.
Crowds / Notes (1)
Can I come for the New Year visit? Is it busy?
The New Year visit is very popular. It is especially busy from New Year's Day until around the 5th, when the car park (1,000 yen in that period) fills quickly, so we recommend public transport.
Highlights (3)
What can I see at the Clock Museum and Treasure Hall?
Japanese clocks and a range of antique timepieces are displayed, and you can see a water clock working on the same system as Japan's first clock. It is an enjoyable way to learn about the history and culture of timekeeping.
What are the highlights of the grounds?
The vermilion-painted gate (a registered tangible cultural property) is a particularly popular photo spot. The outer worship hall and the main hall are leading examples of modern shrine architecture in what are called the Omi and Showa styles, and many are registered tangible cultural properties. A water clock and sundials also stand in the grounds.
Why is it called the home of competitive karuta?
Because the first poem of the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu is by Emperor Tenji. A karuta festival is held each January, and the matches to decide the Meijin and Queen titles in competitive karuta take place here, drawing many fans of the manga and anime as well.
Parking (1)
Is there parking, and how much does it cost?
There is parking for about 200 vehicles in the grounds. It costs 1,000 yen from the evening of 31 December to 5 January and is free at other times. It is busy during the New Year visits.
Other (6)
How do I get there?
About 9 minutes' walk from Omi-Jingu-mae Station on the Keihan Ishiyama Sakamoto Line. About 3 minutes by taxi from Otsukyo Station on the JR Kosei Line. About 10 minutes from Kyoto-Higashi IC on the Meishin Expressway. There is parking in the grounds (free at normal times).
Is there parking?
Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.
What is the address?
1-1 Jingu-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture
How much is admission?
Visiting the grounds is free. Clock Museum and Treasure Hall: adults 300 yen, elementary and junior high school students 150 yen.
When is it closed?
The grounds are open all year round. The Clock Museum and Treasure Hall close on Mondays that are not public holidays.
What are the visiting hours?
Worship 6:00-18:00 (amulets and goshuin 9:00-16:30; Clock Museum and Treasure Hall 9:30-16:30).