Located in the Gunma prefecture, Eight Horses Temple Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of good fortune and prosperity. Built in 1492 during the Muromachi period, the shrine's architecture reflects a mix of traditional Heian-style and Kamakura-period designs. Visitors can see several old buildings from different historical periods, including the main hall and a five-story pagoda. The shrine is particularly famous for its annual 'Yabusame' festival in September, where participants dress up in samurai costumes and hunt deer using bows.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman, Otohime
- Coordinates
- 36.4120786, 139.1442619
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's architecture, consider visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the summer heat and take advantage of the soft golden light.
Cultural notes
Yabusame festival connections with the Eight Horses Temple Shrine's primary kami, as well as regional significance of hunting deer in Japanese culture.
Historical note
Built during the Muromachi period.