Eight-Horned Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, and is known as one of Japan's most beautiful and historic shrines. The shrine's main hall, Nagaya, is famous for its stunning architecture and traditional wood carvings depicting the eight-headed dragon, Haka-Maru.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Hachiman, Haka-Maru
- Coordinates
- 36.0077529, 136.2451931
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, it is recommended to visit at sunset or twilight when the setting sun casts a warm glow on the buildings and surrounding gardens.
Cultural notes
The shrine is associated with the god of war and agriculture, Hachiman, as well as the eight-headed dragon, Haka-Maru, which symbolizes good luck and prosperity. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in May to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1591 during the Sengoku period by a local lord named Oda Yoshinaga.