Dan-oura Shrine, located in Dan oura town of Gunma Prefecture, is one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Dating back to the 8th century, it enshrines the god of war, Hachiman, as well as several other kami including Inari and Yabusame. The shrine is famous for its unique 'Makura' style architecture, which features a distinctive curved roofline. Visitors can experience the rich history and culture of Japan by participating in the annual Dan-oura Festival, which celebrates the shrine's founding and honors the god Hachiman.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman, Inari, Yabusame
- Coordinates
- 36.1514989, 139.0492378
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's architecture, consider a visit during cherry blossom season, when the 'Makura' style buildings are adorned with beautiful blooming flowers.
Cultural notes
As an important Shinto shrine dedicated to Hachiman, Dan-oura is also famous for its Yabusame, a ritual where skilled archers attempt to shoot arrows into moving targets while on horseback. This ancient practice is said to have been inspired by the god Hachiman's own hunting exploits.
Historical note
The shrine was first mentioned in records dating back to 724.