The seven-faced shrine, Shichi no Mikasa, is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Minamiueda, Nagano Prefecture. Dating back to the Edo period, the shrine is famous for its unique architectural style and its association with the legend of the seven-faced god, Hachiman Okami. The shrine's name refers to the seven faces carved into its torii gate. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include a museum showcasing artifacts from the shrine's history, as well as a traditional Japanese garden.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman Okami
- Coordinates
- 36.7572594, 138.2874215
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit at dawn or dusk when the sunlight casts a golden glow on the torii gate's seven faces.
Cultural notes
Shichi no Mikasa is associated with the legend of Hachiman Okami, a Shinto god often depicted as a messenger between humans and the gods. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in August to celebrate the god's arrival.
Historical note
The shrine was built in the Edo period, but its current form dates back to the Meiji period.