Located in the city of Kanazawa, Fukui Prefecture, Eight Horseshoe Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deity Benzaiten and the god of war Hachiman. The shrine's architecture is characteristic of the Kofuku-zukuri style, with a vermilion torii gate and a wooden main hall adorned with intricate carvings. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful gardens and traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Benzaiten, Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 35.9850688, 136.188087
Visitor tip
Visitors are recommended to ring the large bell three times for good luck and prosperity.
Cultural notes
The shrine is famous for its Eight Horseshoe motif, which symbolizes strength and protection. Benzaiten, the deity enshrined here, is often depicted as a woman playing the biwa, and is associated with beauty, music, and poetry. Hachiman, on the other hand, is revered as the god of war and patron deity of samurai.
Historical note
The shrine was originally established in 745 CE by Emperor Shōmu, but its current main building was constructed during the Edo period (1603-1868).