Eight-Horned Shrine, dedicated to the Shinto god Susanoo-no-Mikoto, is a revered temple in Ishikawa Prefecture. Located at the mouth of the Echizen River, it's believed that Susanoo brought fertility and prosperity to the region. The shrine's name 'Hachimangū' literally means 'Eight-Horned Shrine', signifying its association with the eight sacred horns of the god.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Kami enshrined
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Amabegu
- Coordinates
- 36.1916658, 136.2563492
Visitor tip
To make a wish, visitors should tie an ema – a wooden or paper plaque with their desires written on it – onto the shrine's eight large pillars.
Cultural notes
During the annual Hachimangū Matsuri festival, locals dress up as Susanoo and reenact the myth of his struggle against the evil god Amabegu. The shrine is also famous for its unique 'Hachimanko' – eight horn-shaped decorations above the entrance.
Historical note
The shrine dates back to the Heian period (794-1185), making it one of the oldest shrines in Japan.