Nagahama Hachiman-gu (長浜八幡宮) is the city's main Shinto shrine, founded in 1069 under the patronage of Emperor Go-Sanjō to protect the region. The vermilion-painted structures are set in a grove of old trees a short walk north of the Kurokabe district, and the atmosphere is calm even when the surrounding streets are busy. Hachiman is the deity of archery and war, and the shrine retains a martial seriousness that distinguishes it from more decorative shrines.
Every April the shrine grounds come alive for the Nagahama Hikiyama Festival (長浜曳山まつり), designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Twelve massive gilded floats — the hikiyama — are brought out of their purpose-built storehouses, and four are selected by lot to parade through the city. Each float carries a miniature kabuki stage on its upper deck, where children aged between five and twelve perform scenes from classical plays in full costume and make-up. The festival runs from April 9 to 17 and draws visitors from across Japan.