Denden-gū

Denden-gū is a Shinto shrine located within Horin-ji Temple grounds in Arashiyama, featuring a pagoda and statues honoring pioneers of electrical technology. The shrine centers on deities connected to electricity and lightning.

The shrine was destroyed by fire in 1864 during the Hamaguri Rebellion and remained in temporary structures for decades before its 1956 restoration. This reconstruction marked its return to a permanent and dedicated space.

This shrine honors Denden Myojin, the deity of lightning and electronics, and welcomes visitors from power and electronics industries seeking blessings for their work. The connection to technology runs through every corner of the grounds.

The shrine sits within temple grounds, making it practical to visit both locations during the same trip. Check the temple's opening times if you plan to visit, as access depends on the wider site.

Copper statues of Thomas Edison and Heinrich Hertz stand in the pagoda, representing an unusual blend of religious devotion and scientific tribute. This pairing of a shrine with Western pioneers in electricity is quite rare.