Yorimasa Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan

Yorimasa Shrine stands on the earthen embankment of the former Kannonji bailey at the northwest edge of Koga Castle, one of the few surviving castle remains. Its main hall sits on this raised ground, and the grounds hold stone lanterns and a washbasin donated in 1696 by retainers of Matsudaira (Okochi) Nobuteru, plus a pair of komainu guardian dogs. Three subsidiary shrines are enshrined here: Hachiman, Suijin moved from Funado-machi, and Otori moved from Ishimachi.

The shrine was founded in the late 1600s and was originally connected to Koga Castle's south side, but was later relocated due to work on the nearby river. According to local tradition, a mound was built by Yorimasa's followers after his death, with his head enshrined at this sacred spot.

The shrine is dedicated to Minamoto no Yorimasa, a warrior whose stories remain woven into the local memory. Visitors experience traditional practices here, such as receiving goshuin stamps, and connect with the ongoing spiritual life of the community.

Access to the shrine can be tricky, but the best approach is a small road on the northern side from which you can walk up. The grounds are relatively small and can be visited in about 40 minutes, though visitors should watch for hornets and mosquitoes during warmer months.

The shrine stands on a surviving earthen rampart of Koga Castle, one of the few remaining traces of the former castle. When the site was levelled for river works in 1912, a small sixth-century burial mound was found and its 119 grave goods, including gold rings, beads and sword fragments, are now a city-designated cultural property.