Higashi Hongū (Eastern Main Shrine)

Higashi Hongu ranks second among the seven shrines at Hiyoshi Taisha and enshrines Oyamakui no kami, the protector deity of Mt. Hiei, worshipped at this location since before written records clearly begin. The current building dates to 1595 and follows hie-zukuri architecture, a style unique to Hiyoshi Taisha with distinctive features including a low-ceilinged room beneath the main hall once used for Buddhist worship. Two wooden wands bearing zigzag paper streamers stand before the doors as offerings to the deity, marking the space as sacred. The main sanctuary is designated a National Treasure.