The Eight-Step Shrine, located in Akita Prefecture, is dedicated to the kami of the forest and the eight virtues. According to legend, a young woman's prayers were answered by the power of the shrine's gods after she performed an act of selflessness. The shrine's architecture reflects its historical significance as a Buddhist temple turned Shinto shrine during the Kamakura period.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Yamatsumi
- Kami enshrined
- Yamatsumi
- Coordinates
- 39.2989678, 140.5127023
Visitor tip
To make the most of your visit, try to coincide with one of the shrine's traditional festivals, such as the Akita Yomotsu no Okami festival held on January 31st, where locals celebrate the legendary deer of the mountain.
Cultural notes
The Eight-Step Shrine is connected to the mythological figure of Yamatsumi, a Shinto deity associated with water and fertility. The shrine's architecture features a unique combination of Buddhist and Shinto elements, reflecting its complex history as a site for both faiths.
Historical note
Founded in the Edo period as a Buddhist temple, it was later converted to a Shinto shrine.