Shiga Gokoku Jinja is one of many shrines across Japan which is dedicated to the souls of those who died in war. In the past I have written about the Hiroshima Gokoku Jinja, and this shrine is little different. This shrine sits just outside of historic Hikone-jô (Hikone Castle) and has honored the souls of the fallen since the Meiji Restoration including the Boshin War, Satsuma Rebellion, the Sino-Japanese War, the Russo-Japanese War, and the Pacific War of World War II.

For the casual: 6. For the educated: 6.

I suspect that there would be little reason to visit this shrine if it wasn’t positoned in front of one of the most famous castles in Japan. A beautiful shrine to be sure, but I really felt like the building wasn’t the main draw to the shrine. Beautiful natural wood and ornated features made the building a lovely place to visit and the slightest breath of wind that moved through carried scents of pine and incense. Though I didn’t go in, there is a small museum next to the main hall where I assume visitors can learn about some of the wars that have happened over the shrine’s tenure. I do recommend taking a look at the statues that stand out front since they each have something to say on the effects of war on the local population.