Located in the heart of Okayama, Ifuku Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the worship of Eight-Armed Hachiman, one of Japan's most revered kami. The shrine complex includes the original shrine building from the late Heian period and a serene garden filled with cherry blossoms and maple trees.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hachiman
- Kami enshrined
- Eight-Armed Hachiman, Other kami not specified
- Coordinates
- 34.6517143, 134.1600633
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's beauty, visit during the spring when the cherry blossom trees are in bloom.
Cultural notes
Ifuku Shrine is famous for its Eight-Armed Hachiman, who is often depicted with four arms instead of the traditional two. This unusual depiction is said to have been inspired by a poem written by Emperor Nijoin in the 8th century.
Historical note
The shrine was established in 747 CE during the Nara period and has since been rebuilt several times.