Located in the city of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Eight-Sakura Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Sakuramochi, who is said to be the patron deity of cherry blossoms and spring growth. The shrine's name, 'Hachisaka,' roughly translates to 'eight-sakura' in English.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Sakuramochi
- Kami enshrined
- Sakuramochi
- Coordinates
- 35.8707377, 140.0109506
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try to arrive early in the morning when the cherry blossoms are still blooming, as they tend to wilt quickly due to the afternoon sun. Wear comfortable shoes for the climb up to the shrine's main hall.
Cultural notes
Sakuramochi is often invoked by farmers and gardeners during the spring equinox festival, known as 'Hanami' in Japan. The shrine also features a unique architectural style known as 'Iwate-style,' which is characterized by its steeply pitched roofs and vermilion-colored walls.
Historical note
The shrine was originally built during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) as a minor shrine dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu. Over time, it gained significance and became associated with Sakuramochi, who is believed to have been introduced by Buddhist priests from Korea.