The shrine is dedicated to Sarumaru Dayu, who was a traditional waka poet. One of his famous poems was included in Hyakunin Isshu (a classical anthology): “Autumn at its saddest - Rustling through the leaves and moving on alone deep into the mountains, I hear a lonely stag belling for his doe.” Currently, the shrine's deity is widely worshipped as a deity "to remove bumps" and “to prevent cancer." The shrine's monthly festival is held on the 13th of every month, and the main festival (Taisai) on April 13th and September 13th. The fire festival will be held on June 13th and December 13th.
Autumn leaves around the temple grounds turn red in late November, a sight which is well worth seeing.
- Tel
- Day: 0774-88-3782
Night: 0774-88-2362 - Address
- 44 Koaza Tsumakitani, Zenjoji, Ujitawara-cho, Tsuzuki District, Kyoto Prefecture
- Access
- Train: From Uji Station on the Keihan Uji Line or the JR Nara Line, or from Shintanabe Station on the Kintetsu Kyoto Line, take Kyoto Keihan Bus (bound for Ichumae, Ryokuenzaka, Kogyo Danchi), get off at “Ichumae” but stop, and walk 50 minutes (Extra buses for Sarumaru Shrine are available on the 13th of every month).
Car: From Nango IC on the Keiji Bypass (from Nagoya), or from Kasatori IC on the Keiji Bypass (from Osaka), go to the Zenjoji area.
Enter the Iwayama Bypass from Route 307, and head in the direction of Otsu on the prefectural road Oishi Higashi route (from Ujitawara-cho).
From Otsu, Ishiyama, and Nango, go south on the prefectural road on the Oishi Higashi route (from Shiga Prefecture). - Business Hours
- 6:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Prayer from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
No regular closing days - Parking
- Available (30 cars)
