Today, Saginomori Shrine is not much more than a “typical” local Shintō shrine. A small sanctuary and worship hall surrounded by a forest and that’s pretty much it. The path through the Torii leading up to the shrine is colourful in autumn, but scattered with cars parking to its left. Yet, Saginomori shrine is worth a visit if you find yourself in the area precisely because of its ordinary nature. Before nearby Shūgaku-in Imperial Villa was constructed, Saginomori Shrine was the western Shintō shrine to Mt. Hiei’s Enryaku-ji temple (with Hiyoshi Shrine in Shiga being the eastern counterpart). This connection lives on in Saginomori Shrine’s annual festival on 4–5 May, which involves monks from Enryaku-ji and Sekizan Zen-in. I recommend that, if you happen to be in the area, walk through the shrine. Admission: free, open 24/7. Nearby places of interest: Manshu-in, Sekizan Zen-in, Shūgakuin Imperial Villa.