Question 1

How do I get there by train?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

What are the visiting hours at Omi Jingu?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 3

Can I get a goshuin stamp?

Accepted Answer

Goshuin are issued at the amulet office in the grounds, from 9:00 to 16:30.

Question 4

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Is there a charge to visit?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Why is it called the shrine of time?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Can I come for the New Year visit? Is it busy?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What can I see at the Clock Museum and Treasure Hall?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

What are the highlights of the grounds?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Why is it called the home of competitive karuta?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

Is there parking, and how much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 13

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 14

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1-1 Jingu-cho, Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture

Question 15

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

Visiting the grounds is free. Clock Museum and Treasure Hall: adults 300 yen, elementary and junior high school students 150 yen.

Question 16

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

The grounds are open all year round. The Clock Museum and Treasure Hall close on Mondays that are not public holidays.

Question 17

What are the visiting hours?

Accepted Answer

Worship 6:00-18:00 (amulets and goshuin 9:00-16:30; Clock Museum and Treasure Hall 9:30-16:30).

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