Located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is Huitieshan Temple but for our purposes here is the Eight Horseshoe Shrine dedicated to Fujin and Raijin, both known as wind and lightning gods. In contrast to this shrine, the八幡神社 is located in 能美市, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, with a history dating back over 1,300 years. The shrine is famous for its unique eight-horseshoe-shaped fence, which symbolizes the protection of travelers and ward off evil spirits.
- 宗教
- shinto
- 祭神
- Hachiman
- 祀られている神
- Hachiman, Fujin, Raijin
- 座標
- 36.4485767, 136.5060105
参拝のヒント
Be sure to bring an o-kagami (paper umbrella) when visiting during rainy season to symbolize protection from lightning and bad luck.
文化的背景
The shrine is famous for its unique eight-horseshoe-shaped fence, which symbolizes the protection of travelers and ward off evil spirits. The shrine also hosts a summer festival honoring Fujin, with fireworks and lantern displays. In addition, the Eight Horseshoe Shrine has connections to Shinto mythology through its kami, Hachiman and the god of wind Raijin.
歴史
It was founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE) as the Higashi Hongan-ji temple's branch shrine, originally dedicated to Kannon. Later it became a independent Shinto shrine in 1869.