Located in the town of Katsuyama, Ishikawa Prefecture, Eight-Horned Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the goddess Bonten, known as the 'Goddess of Heaven and Earth'. The shrine is famous for its unique architectural style, which features eight horn-shaped roofs called 'hachi-hinode', symbolizing the eight horns of the Buddhist god Brahma. The shrine's grounds also contain a large stone statue of Bonten, said to possess supernatural powers. Visitors can pay their respects at the main shrine hall and explore the surrounding gardens, which are particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Bonten
- Kami enshrined
- Bonten, The god of heaven, earth and the sea
- Coordinates
- 36.157538, 136.260066
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's unique architecture, consider visiting at dawn or dusk when the sun's rays illuminate the horn-shaped roofs.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's most ancient shrines, Eight-Horned Shrine is closely tied to the mythology surrounding Bonten, who is revered for her role in ensuring fertility and prosperity. During cherry blossom season, locals hold a festival in honor of the goddess, featuring traditional dances, food stalls, and games.
Historical note
The shrine was originally founded in 711 AD by Emperor Shōmu as a Buddhist temple, but it later became a Shinto shrine.