Eight-Horse Temple Shrine in Shiga Prefecture is dedicated to the god of wind and storms, as well as the protector of fishermen and traders. Its unique architecture features a 9-story pagoda and a five-story lantern tower. The shrine is famous for its festival held on August 15th, which celebrates the arrival of autumn, symbolized by the changing colors of the maple trees nearby.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Oodanna
- Kami enshrined
- Oodanna, Hikoboshi, Sakigami
- Coordinates
- 35.588797, 135.8590039
Visitor tip
To avoid the crowds, visit the shrine early in the morning or late in the evening when the five-story lantern tower is still lit up.
Cultural notes
The shrine is also associated with the legend of the Eight-Horse Temple, which tells the story of a powerful storm that destroyed an ancient temple. The god of wind, Oodanna, was said to have created eight horses from rice straw to calm the storm and restore balance to nature.
Historical note
The shrine was established in 751 AD during the Nara period.