Located in the heart of Yamagata Prefecture, Eight Humps Shrine is a Shinto temple dedicated to the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who was said to have created a bridge between land and sea. The shrine's name 'Hachi-Okuni' literally means eight humps, referring to its distinctive eight-sided tower structure.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo, Agedo no Okami
- Coordinates
- 38.7789722, 139.8474269
Visitor tip
To experience the shrine's unique charm, try visiting during the annual Awa Odori festival in August, where you can enjoy traditional dances and music while taking in the shrine's vibrant atmosphere.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's most historic shrines, Eight Humps Shrine is deeply connected to Japanese mythology. According to legend, Susanoo-no-Mikoto was a fierce storm god who also had a role in creating the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. The shrine's famous eight hump tower is said to symbolize this divine power.
Historical note
Founded in 744 CE during the Nara period, Eight Humps Shrine has been rebuilt and renovated several times over the centuries, with the current main hall dating back to the Edo period.