Shiga Prefecture: Shirahige Shrine - The Hidden Floating Torii Gate

The Shirahige Shrine is a hidden Floating Torii gate (about 2000 years old) in Lake Biwa located in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Shirahige means 'White Beard' and the god of this shrine is known as a god of longevity. Locals believe that this Torii gate brings a fortune to their lives, marriages, including life achievements. 

The Floating Torii Gate in Shirahige is much smaller than Miyajima Island's Floating Torii – Itsukushima. However, Shirahige offers a picture-perfect view of the Floating Torii Gate during the sunset. 

Check this video out to see the beauty of Shirahige Shrine and the unexpected snowstorm as we travel to reach the Hidden Floating Torii Gate. 

Unlike the Floating Torii in the sea of Miyajima Island – Itsukushima Shrine, Shirahige's Floating Torii Gate is one of the unusual destinations for most of the tourists since it is not very easy to access using a public transportation. Either you drive or walk from Omi-Takashima Station to reach the place. 
We love adventures so we gladly took the 36 minutes of walk from Omi-Takashima Station going to Shirahige Shrine.

We did not expect the snowstorm coming our way and that was a bit of a challenge. I cannot believe that my feet wearing Onitsuka Tiger shoes have endured and survived the snowstorm. :)) 

It was indeed an adventurous experience especially when an unexpected things come in your way.
As we walked towards the path to the floating torii gate, we bumped into a shrine called the Hiyoshi Shrine. 

We stopped by in front of the shrine and momentarily enjoyed the continuous flow of snow.

Opposite of the Floating Torii Gate is the Main Hall of the shrine. 

With over 1900 years of history, the Shirahige Shrine is known for the divine favor for long life, health, and safety. 

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