The shrine has become a pilgrimage site for fans of the Japanese pop group Arashi due to its name connection with member Ohno Satoshi. Additionally, the head priest's name is Ohmiya Satoshi, which combines elements of two Arashi members' names (Ohno and Ohmiya Kazunari). The shrine capitalizes on this connection by offering special talismans themed around the group's five members, making it a meaningful destination for devoted fans seeking good luck charms associated with their favorite artists.
No, there is no admission fee to enter the shrine grounds. Visitors can freely explore the premises and view the historic tower gate without charge. However, if you wish to purchase talismans, omamori (protective amulets), or other religious items from the shrine, these are available for individual purchase at the shrine office.
From Kyoto or Osaka, take the JR Biwako Line to Kusatsu Station. From there, board a bus heading toward the Konze area for approximately 35 minutes. Alight at the Community Center Konze bus stop, then walk for about 15 minutes to reach the shrine at the foot of Mt. Konzesan. The shrine is located at 896 Arahari, Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture.
The principal deity enshrined at Ono Jinja is Sugawara no Michizane, a historical figure from the Heian period who is widely venerated across Japan as the god of learning and scholarship. As a soja-type shrine, Ono Jinja also enshrines multiple other deities in one location, historically serving as a central place of worship for the surrounding region.
Arrived at 12:00 on Saturday. The weather was sunny.
Access
10 minutes by car from JR Tehara Station
20 minutes from JR Kusatsu Station
Free parking🅿️ (20 spaces total)
A moderate number of worshippers, about 20 in total. ^ ^
Mostly families. 👶🧑🧑🧒
The path leading to the shrine grounds was filled with food, drink, and goldfish vendors.
There was even a daruma doll named after Arashi's Ohno. 🩷
The grounds are compact, about 50 meters clockwise. 🎵
There's a watering hole for commemorative photos, stone monuments depicting horses and cows, and a majestic, large tree.
The torii gate is located near the road, so it's easier to get there by exiting onto the road (narrow road) and then re-entering. ( ◠‿◠ )
On Sunday, I decided to go to a place called Ohno Shrine, which I heard was featured briefly on TV.
I didn't know about it before I got there, but even though it's not directly related to Arashi, there were a lot of things here and there that were heavily related to the group. Frankly, I was a bit disappointed. 🥹
It's a shrine that just happens to share the same name, and the place where the deity is enshrined is so heavily focused on the biggest entertainment group. Honestly, I was pretty put off.
But the building and the deity enshrined there were well-maintained, so I'm glad I went.
I'm a man born in Hinoeuma, the year of the horse. I visited from Osaka after hearing that it's a horse shrine. Perhaps because I have the same name as Arashi's Ohno, it feels like it's tied to Arashi. It seems to be frequented by many fans, and many of the votive plaques have prayers written on them, such as "May I win tickets to their last live concert." There was even a prayer for winning tickets to Aぇ! group's live concert. There's ample free parking, making it an easy place to visit. Dogs are allowed to visit, and there's a dog run on the premises, a service where you can get your dog's paw stamped, and dog food for sale.
Ohno Shrine in Ritto City, Shiga Prefecture, is known as a must-see "holy ground" for Arashi fans, as it shares its name with a member of the group. It's famous for offerings like five-colored daruma dolls and votive plaques (votive plaques) made by fans.
Other highlights include the Sakuramon Gate, an important cultural property from the early Kamakura period, and the tranquil, historic grounds, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning.
Main Attractions of Ohno Shrine
⦿ "Arashi" Pilgrimage
Many fans visit the shrine, as it shares its name with the leader of the idol group Arashi, Ohno Satoshi.
⦿ At the shrine office, daruma dolls and other plaques inspired by the five members' colors (blue, red, green, yellow, and purple) are popular.
⦿ The shrine grounds are lined with votive plaques, often filled with prayers for concert success and messages of mutual communication between fans.
Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property
⦿ The Sakuramon Gate, located just past the torii gate, was built in the early Kamakura period and is known as the oldest shrine or temple gate in the prefecture.
⦿ A Historic Shrine of Scholarship
This historic shrine, established in 959, enshrines Sugawara no Michizane and is said to offer blessings for academic success and passing exams.
