参道 鳥居
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Ogosha Shrine

4.4
·23 reviews·Yufu, Japan

A serene Shinto shrine by Kirin Lake, featuring a striking torii gate in the water and a 1000-year-old sacred cedar tree.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

For peaceful reflection

CrowdLow
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参道 鳥居

Ogosha Shrine

Best Time

Early mornings

For peaceful reflection

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene Shinto shrine by Kirin Lake, featuring a striking torii gate in the water and a 1000-year-old sacred cedar tree.

4.4
(23 reviews)

"A peaceful, spiritual haven with a picturesque torii gate and an ancient cedar tree."

Vertical photo
TIP

serene atmosphere

Enjoy the quiet, spiritual vibe. It's a hidden gem, so expect few crowds. 🙏

Capture the Torii Gate

The torii gate in Kirin Lake is a must-photograph spot. Visit early for the best light. :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.4 · 23 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

1000-Year-Old Sacred Cedar

1000-Year-Old Sacred Cedar

Tenso Shrine

A majestic, ancient cedar tree radiating sacred energy, a natural monument and a profound sight.

Torii Gate in Kirin Lake

Torii Gate in Kirin Lake

Ogosha Shrine

A charming torii gate standing in the tranquil waters of Kirin Lake, offering a picturesque and spiritual view.

Serene Lakeside Shrine

Serene Lakeside Shrine

Ogosha Shrine

A peaceful Shinto shrine on the shore of Kirin Lake, perfect for quiet reflection and enjoying nature's calm.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Ogosha Shrine offers a peaceful escape, often overlooked by mainstream tourism. Visitors praise its quiet atmosphere and spiritual ambiance, making it ideal for those seeking a serene experience away from crowds. Plan for a contemplative visit.

Sacred Cedar & Lakeside Charm

The star attractions are the ancient cedar tree at Tenso Shrine and the torii gate in Kirin Lake. Arrive early to fully appreciate the natural beauty and spiritual energy without distractions. This spot is a photographer's delight.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
For peaceful reflection
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Are you a Studio Ghibli fan? 😍 If so, you've got to see this. Yufuin is popular with local tourists, so unlike other more popular tourist destination, you'll find more shops tailored to locals. This Studio Ghibli village is gorgeous though, and it's set right with Yufuin's famous mountain in the back. There's a store dedicated to each popular Studio Ghibli film, with Ponyo, Howl's Movine Castle, ...
@martie_junior
0 likes • 0 views

serene atmosphere

Enjoy the quiet, spiritual vibe. It's a hidden gem, so expect few crowds. 🙏

Capture the Torii Gate

The torii gate in Kirin Lake is a must-photograph spot. Visit early for the best light. :camerawithflash:

📍Yufuin Floral Village - Yufu, Oita #ghibli #ghibliaesthetic #yufuinfloralvillage #yufuin #oita
@franklinthewoman
0 likes • 0 views
Ogosha Shrine in Yufu, beautiful and spiritual, with a massive 1000 years old sacred cedar tree. And only birds and cicadas around us… obviously not such a popular tourist spot, maybe because it is out of the mainstream areas of Yufuin…. …. #❤️japan #yufu #yufuin #ogoshashrine #kyushu #alessandrazecchini✈️ #alessandrazecchini🇯🇵 #日本 #🇯🇵 #giappone #japan @visitjapanjp
alessandra.zecchini
53 likes • 353 views

Visit Tenso Shrine

Don't miss the ancient 1000-year-old cedar tree at Tenso Shrine. It's truly awe-inspiring. :evergreen_tree:

Combine with Yufuin

Ogosha Shrine is near Yufuin Floral Village, a popular spot for Ghibli fans. 🎥

Templo Gosha 😍⛩🇯🇵 #japan #temple #shrine #templo #2022 #shisa
kazan_jp
92 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

serene atmosphere

Enjoy the quiet, spiritual vibe. It's a hidden gem, so expect few crowds. 🙏

Capture the Torii Gate

The torii gate in Kirin Lake is a must-photograph spot. Visit early for the best light. :camerawithflash:

Visit Tenso Shrine

Don't miss the ancient 1000-year-old cedar tree at Tenso Shrine. It's truly awe-inspiring. :evergreen_tree:

Combine with Yufuin

Ogosha Shrine is near Yufuin Floral Village, a popular spot for Ghibli fans. 🎥

What Travellers Say

4.4
(23 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ogosha Shrine for its serene and spiritual atmosphere, highlighting the iconic torii gate in Kirin Lake and the ancient sacred cedar tree as major draws. It's considered a peaceful, less crowded alternative to more popular Yufuin attractions, offering a beautiful natural setting for reflection and photography.

"Nice small shrine by the lake. The tori gate in the water adds some special charm."

Christian Larsen

"The Cedar Tree at Tenso Shrine (天祖神社のスギ) is a sacred cedar tree that is over 1,000 years old, located at Tenso Shrine next to Kirin Lake in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, Japan. This majestic tree is a symbolic presence at the shrine, radiating a sense of sacred energy. Its impressive stature leaves a deep impression on visitors and has become a popular spot for photography."

Yang

"The shrine next to Kinrin Lake has a very quiet environment"

Lee Minyi

What People Like

Tranquil atmosphere
Torii gate in lake
Ancient cedar tree

What People Dislike

Can be hard to find

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ogosha Shrine is located near Kirin Lake in Yufuin. You can take a bus from Yufuin Station towards the lake, or enjoy a pleasant walk if you prefer. Taxis are also an option for a quicker journey. TikTok

Yes, driving to Ogosha Shrine is feasible, with parking available nearby. It's a good option if you're exploring the wider Yufuin area by car. Instagram

Many visitors find walking from their accommodation in Yufuin to Kirin Lake and Ogosha Shrine to be a delightful experience, allowing you to soak in the local atmosphere. Instagram

Local buses operate in Yufuin and can take you close to Kirin Lake, where Ogosha Shrine is situated. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient routes. TikTok

While Yufuin itself is popular, Ogosha Shrine is often considered a less mainstream spot, offering a more tranquil experience compared to other attractions. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Ogosha Shrine is generally free to enter and explore. It's a public space dedicated to spiritual reflection and enjoying nature. Instagram

Shrines in Japan are typically open from dawn till dusk. There are no strict opening or closing times, allowing for visits at most reasonable hours. Instagram

The sacred cedar tree at Tenso Shrine is part of the shrine grounds, which are usually free to access. Enjoy this natural wonder without any charge. Reddit

Yes, Ogosha Shrine can be visited year-round. Each season offers a different charm, from spring blossoms to autumn colors. Instagram

Visiting during quieter times, like early mornings or late afternoons, is recommended to fully appreciate the serene atmosphere and avoid any potential crowds. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The torii gate in Kirin Lake and the ancient sacred cedar tree at Tenso Shrine are iconic photo opportunities. The serene lake reflections are also beautiful. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed at Ogosha Shrine. However, always be respectful of the sacred nature of the site and other visitors. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best light for capturing the torii gate and its reflection in Kirin Lake, creating a magical atmosphere. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to avoid drone photography at shrines to maintain a peaceful environment and respect local regulations. Instagram

Absolutely! The sacred cedar tree is a major draw, and visitors often take photos to capture its impressive size and spiritual presence. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Nature & Scenery

Kirin Lake is known for its tranquil waters and the picturesque torii gate that stands within it, creating a unique and serene landscape. Reddit

The sacred cedar tree at Tenso Shrine is over 1,000 years old, a designated natural monument, and is revered for its immense size and spiritual aura. Reddit

Yes, the shrine is nestled by Kirin Lake and is often described as being in a quiet environment with natural surroundings, offering a peaceful escape. Instagram

Visitors consistently describe the atmosphere as quiet, spiritual, and serene, with the sounds of nature like birds and cicadas often being the most prominent. Instagram

Ogosha Shrine is located in Yufuin, an area known for its natural beauty, including Mount Yufu and scenic landscapes, making it a great base for exploring. TikTok

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