Located in the city of Omiya, Shiga Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is one of Japan's most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to the deity Inari Okami, known as the patron god of fertility, rice, and industry. The shrine's unique architecture features a massive torii gate adorned with eight curved hoods resembling horseshoes, which gives the shrine its name.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Inari
- Kami enshrined
- Inari
- Coordinates
- 34.9999125, 135.7717577
Visitor tip
To avoid long lines, visit the shrine early in the morning or during the week.
Cultural notes
As a major Shinto pilgrimage site, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is particularly famous for its fox spirits (Kitsune), which are said to be the messengers of Inari Okami. The shrine also hosts an annual festival called Mikage Matsuri in October, where visitors can participate in traditional dances and food stalls.
Historical note
Founded in the Heian period (794-1185 CE), Eight Horseshoe Shrine has undergone several renovations throughout Japanese history.